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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, but when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and although a century in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation 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 has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday 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-breaks are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”