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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as whinging down under, yet when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and well-received here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I don’t mind 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 our opponents in these conditions.”

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

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played each of the seven England's pink-ball matches to date, and although a century in his first such match against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that might not carry to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

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 could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their top batsman would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

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

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where England haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win at this ground.”