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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of 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 answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root stated before England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and popular here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and despite a hundred in his debut such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs down the order could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”