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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when the former captain was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated before England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready 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 the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and although a century in his first outing against West Indies in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

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 crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are decent, and additional scoring down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, then, at a venue where England have not won a Test for decades.

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