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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents at it.”

Joe 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 played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a century in his first outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 in general, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential 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 scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected 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, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where England have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would be all the sweeter if we win at this ground.”