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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging in Australia, but when the former captain faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, 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 the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

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

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and despite a century in his first outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry to slip back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred should there be rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are decent, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”