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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and Australia have an impressive record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … 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 we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his debut outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

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

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

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

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen 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.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

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