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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, but when the former captain was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and Australia boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Suffers

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that may not reach the slips in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century should there be rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record bothered him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

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