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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It’s part of preparing for the series. 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’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

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

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop in day-night games. The England star has featured in each of the seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and despite a century in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach the slips back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc has adopted 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 could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, 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 suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, then, at a venue where the visitors have not won a Test for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win here.”