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It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining in Australia, but when the former captain faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, 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 a requirement of being ready for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests 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 pink-ball matches so far, and although a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would be even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”