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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and Australia boast a strong record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that may not reach to slip in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

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 in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a Test for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win at this ground.”