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It's not often for an England player is accused of whinging in Australia, yet when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied before England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and popular here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out it will happen. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his first such match against West Indies in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation 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 main tactic these days—he noted 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 this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century should there be rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, then, at a venue where the visitors have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”