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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? 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 in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry to slip back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring down the order might offset any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra 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 Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”