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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It’s part of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? 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 on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop in day-night games. The England star has featured in each of the seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and although a hundred in his first outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach to slip back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their top batsman could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are decent, and extra runs down the order might offset any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England have not won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”