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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 regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It’s part of preparing for such contests. 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 traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their top batsman would help them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

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