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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia at it.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and despite a century in his debut outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence last week, it was Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' 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 premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

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