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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 in general, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century if another rapid shootout unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

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