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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received in this country, and the hosts have an impressive track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement 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. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and we just need we outperform than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and despite a century in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred if another rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, then, at a venue where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

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