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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as complaining down under, yet when the former captain was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated before England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, 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, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip in England. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer 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 last week. Much to think about, then, at a ground where England haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

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