Third Test is one of the biggest games of our lives, says Joe Root

Frustrated Joe Root has told his England players to ditch the beers for much-needed runs and wickets in perhaps the most important match of their lives. The captain is urging wiser 'shot' selection on and off the pitch after the drink-related issues which are in danger of terminally derailing England's Ashes campaign. They arrived in Perth for the must-win third Test, 2-0 down and the Urn on the line.

"It's been very frustrating," said the Yorkshireman. "In the obvious circumstances and position we're in, guys have made silly mistakes that of course are going to get blown out of proportion. (But) we've probably got one of the biggest games of our lives coming up... (and) we have to get it right." If they do, Root still believes in an improbable series fightback. "It's time to stand up. We still believe we can win the series, but we now need to prove that to everyone else."

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