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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply 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 on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and despite 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 of 49.9 in general, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach the slips back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

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 England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England have not won a Test for decades.

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