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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging in Australia, yet when the former captain faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied before England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a century in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing last week, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that may not reach to slip back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial 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 netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where England have not won a Test for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we win here.”