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It's not often for an England player is accused of whinging in Australia, but when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong 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. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with 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 in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and despite a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that may not reach to slip in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century if another rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

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