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Rarely that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played all seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and despite a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach to slip in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”