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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of preparing for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

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