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It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out it will happen. It’s part of preparing for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a century in his debut outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall 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 in general, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly 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 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between 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, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry to slip back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses 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 may also come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred if another quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone 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, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”