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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Record 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 England star has played all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their top batsman would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia 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.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a Test for decades.

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