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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia have an impressive record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in all seven England's pink-ball matches to date, and despite a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, 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 to slip in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

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