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It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining down under, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It’s part of being ready for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and we just need we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses 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 may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”