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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance it will happen. It’s part of being ready 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'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and we just need we outperform our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and although a century in his debut outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—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 know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' 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 in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence 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-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”