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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as complaining in Australia, but when the former captain faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out 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'm fine with it. In my opinion 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.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in all seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century 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 in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

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

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