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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, yet when the former captain faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong record in these matches. 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. For a series like this, is it essential? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and we just need we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that may not reach to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century if another rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone 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 lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

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