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Rarely for an England player is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root stated prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready 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 don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and we just need to be better our opponents at it.”

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

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has played all seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and despite a century in his first such match against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing last week, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, 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.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”