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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and well-received in this country, and the hosts have an impressive track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and despite a century in his debut outing versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges 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 may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable 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. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, then, at a venue where England haven’t won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”