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Rarely that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and popular here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It’s part of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers see a drop in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a hundred in his first such match against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century should there be quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”