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It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining down under, yet when the former captain faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded before England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and Australia boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance it will happen. It’s part of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop in day-night games. The England star has played each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry to slip in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

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