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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, yet when the former captain was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, you know well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready 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'm fine with 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 our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and although a century in his debut outing versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred if another rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where England have not won a Test for decades.

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