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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” 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 track record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It’s part of being ready for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and although a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 respectively 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 were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred if another rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where the visitors have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed here.”