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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and Australia boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, then, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we succeed here.”