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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root stated prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It’s part of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played all seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and despite a hundred in his debut such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “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 Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable 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-breaks are adequate, and extra runs down the order might offset any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”