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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as whinging down under, yet when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … 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 our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures improve 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 dismissed for 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach the slips in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates 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 due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England have not won a match for decades.

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