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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining down under, yet when the former captain faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. 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 Suffers

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred should there be rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, then, at a venue where England haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

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