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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and popular in this country, and Australia boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. 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. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and we just need we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, 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 so far, and although a century in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle 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 this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry to slip back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century if another rapid shootout unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where the visitors have not won a Test for decades.

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