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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a hundred in his debut outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century if another rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where England have not won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would be even more satisfying if we win here.”