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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered an honest response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred should there be rapid shootout unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”