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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded before England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply 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 have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and despite a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their premier batter could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option 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 match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win at this ground.”