England captain Joe Root has admitted some of his players “have made silly mistakes” off the pitch but urged them to put things right on it.
Australia lead the Ashes 2-0 ahead of the third Test in Perth, which gets under way on Thursday, knowing victory will see them regain the famous urn.
Jonny Bairstow's ill-advised 'headbutt' greeting to Australia opener Cameron Bancroft was followed by England Lions batsman Ben Duckett pouring a beer over the head of James Anderson in the same Perth bar.
Add to that the ongoing uncertainty over whether or not Ben Stokes will play any part in the series, as he waits to hear if he will be charged after a fracas outside a Bristol nightclub in September, and it has been a difficult series for Root.
"It's been frustrating ... very frustrating," Root said. "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 on Thursday ... [and] we have to get it right.
"It's time to stand up. These are the games that, when you get them right, really hit home with people.
"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.
"I understand that a few people feel let down. We still believe we can win the series, but we now need to prove that to everyone else."
Root does not absolve Anderson - one of several senior players out drinking last Thursday - of blame but insists he has the opportunity to make amends at the WACA.
Asked if the 35-year-old seamer should be setting a better example, Root added: "Yes, maybe a little bit.
"His focus now has to be about leading that bowling attack and doing the right things on the field."