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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, yet when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry to slip in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred if another rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”