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It's not often for an England player is accused of whinging in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and although a century in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

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

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach the slips back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

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