The arch-rivals Australia and England have locked horns today in the third Magellan Ashes Test at the iconic WACA Ground in Perth to win the urn for their country.
As the hosts Australian side already have a lot of confidence with a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series 2017-18, and looking to wrap up the five-Test Ashes in Perth. On the other hands, the defending champions, England side, who already struggling mentally with their horrific defeat in the first two Tests, have to win the Perth Test to stay alive in the Magellan series and save their title from Steve Smith's Team.
Although, England’s record is not very well at the WACA, last won here in 1978, but they need to change their fortune on the Perth ground to keep alive themselves in the prestigious Ashes series.
England skipper Joe Root, on Wednesday, urged his team to stand up and put big performances in the Perth Test and prove why they have been selected to play for the country.
As per AFP, Root told reporters at the pre-match press conference in Perth, “It's time to stand up. These are the games that when you get them right, they really hit home with people. And that's what people want to see -- in the face of adversity, people stand up and really put in those big performances and prove why they have been selected to play for England.”
The 26-year-old further added, “That's the opportunity that's in front of this group, to go and win here at the WACA for the first time in a long time, by playing well for longer. If we get that right, there is no reason we can't be sat here at 2-1 next week.”
The right-handers further admitted that he is "fed up" talking about off-field alcohol-related issues, saying, “I'm fed up talking about stuff that's not cricket. We have to make sure we perform well this week and win. Get people talking about the cricket.”
He added, “This is a very professional group of players that goes about things in the right way. But we've had two incidents that have been blown up and made a big deal of. They could have been avoided. That's the annoying thing, as you know, but a lot of people back home probably don't, the stories are not a fair reflection of this team. But a lot of the stuff that’s being spouted is giving ammunition."
The skipper also said that his side needs to be smart and urges the team to don't do such stupid stuff. Root concluded by saying, “I want to be concentrating on making sure we get things right on the field. That's my job as captain. I'm trying to develop a team that over a long period can achieve success and do special things. One of this group's big strengths is we do look after each other. The lads have done some stupid stuff but we care about each other. We're in it together and we are only going to get back into this series if we stick together.”
