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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as whinging down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, 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 matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Performance 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 so far, and despite a century in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where the visitors have not won a Test in over 40 years.

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