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Rarely for an England player is accused of whinging in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance it will happen. It’s part of preparing for such contests. For a series like this, is it essential? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in each of the seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and although a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 in general, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry to slip back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped 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 score runs again.”

England's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century if another rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

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