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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated before England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and popular here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that may not reach to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted 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, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred should there be rapid shootout 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 when asked if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where England haven’t won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”