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It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root stated before England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and well-received here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive track record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of preparing for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and we just need we outperform our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his first such match against West Indies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 under lights.

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 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach the slips back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, 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 Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century if another rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where the visitors have not won a Test for decades.

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