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Rarely for an England player is accused of whinging in Australia, but when the former captain was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts have an impressive track record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and despite a hundred in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach the slips in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their top batsman would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century if another rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere 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 ground where England haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

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