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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when the former captain faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root stated before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers see a drop in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's pink-ball matches to date, and although a century in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record bothered him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where the visitors have not won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we win here.”