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Rarely for an England player is accused of whinging down under, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 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 dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that may not reach the slips back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he admitted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it all the sweeter if we succeed here.”