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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining down under, yet when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded before England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and well-received in this country, and Australia boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his first outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, 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 these days—he admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred if another quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

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