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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need we outperform our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop in day-night games. The England star has played each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a hundred in his debut such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that may not reach the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

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