“They showed a lot of belief and a lot of character, and came through a lot of adversity, especially off the back of that first game in Adelaide. I think it just proves to the rest of the world that it’s not a place you can’t go and win.”

But the whole point is how India performed in the first Test, when they were bowled out for just 36 in the second innings in Adelaide.

England will be going into the first Test at the Gabba with just a couple of intra-squad practice matches under their belt. Their recovering superstar Ben Stokes will be underprepared after missing the northern summer and having a second finger operation last month.

Despite the welcome addition of Stokes, England is still a weaker side than the team that drew 2-2 with Australia in England in 2019 following the withdrawal of fast bowler Jofra Archer through injury.

To add a touch of history, England have won in Brisbane just four times since Bodyline in 1932-33. Australia’s most recent Ashes-winning margins at the Gabba are 10 wickets and 381 runs.

Root also suggests the stability of Australia’s attack in recent years may actually be an advantage for England.

“Australia’s attack has been very similar for a good period of time now,” Root said. “There’s a lot of information and knowledge that you can do and prepare yourself for ahead of the series; be putting that work in, putting that practice in and making sure that whatever is thrown at us, you’re ready to face it and counter it.”

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Some very good education will be needed for England’s generally flaky batting line-up to counter Australia’s bowlers.

Against England in Australia, the current pace attack of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have bowling averages in the mid-20s, while Nathan Lyon’s is 29, which is exceptional for an off-spinner in this country.

By contrast, the England bowlers in their touring squad who have played in Australia before have far less flattering averages in this country. The best is Ben Stokes (33), followed by Jimmy Anderson (35), Stuart Broad (37), Craig Overton (38) and Chris Woakes (50).

The maths is simple. The numbers tell the story.

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