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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and Australia have an impressive record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind 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 we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop in day-night games. The England star has played each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and despite a hundred in his first outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England have not won a match for decades.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed here.”