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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive track record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“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, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and we just need to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance 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 each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry to slip in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on 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 over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring down the order might offset any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”