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Rarely for an England player is accused of complaining down under, but when the former captain faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his debut outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven 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 a potential deciding factors in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be rapid shootout unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, 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, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where the visitors have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”