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It's not often for an England player is accused of whinging down under, yet when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It’s part of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a hundred in his first outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that might not carry to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

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 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

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

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