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Rarely that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging in Australia, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root stated before England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and well-received here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of preparing 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 matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his debut such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where England have not won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win here.”