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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and Australia boast a strong track record in these matches. It's understandable 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. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and despite a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach the slips in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia 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 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 vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be all the sweeter if we win here.”