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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, yet when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular in this country, and Australia boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his first such match against West Indies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in Perth.

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. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, 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 might not carry to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid 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 Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and additional scoring down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England have not won a match for decades.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”