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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root stated prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia boast a strong record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know from two years out it will happen. It’s part of being ready for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that may not reach the slips back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” 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 nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are adequate, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

However, 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. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

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