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

“I personally don’t think so,” Root stated before England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for such contests. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia at it.”

Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his debut such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and 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 floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry the slips in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred if another rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where the visitors have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would be all the sweeter if we win at this ground.”