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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and well-received in this country, and the hosts have an impressive track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop in day-night games. The England star has featured in all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head 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 caused him issues, with them missing last week, 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 might not carry the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

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

It might not need a century if another rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for 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 Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”