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It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining down under, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement 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 don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

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

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that may not reach the slips in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors have not won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”