England coach Andy Flower set to gun down Ashes flops for pivotal Perth Test

England coach Andy Flower today promised to wield the Ashes axe for Friday's third Test in Perth.

The tourists have been comprehensively beaten in the first two Tests and will lose the series with another defeat.

"We have taken some serious hits but we do have a squad full of people who are determined to turn the ship around, and that's what we must do," he said.

"I'm absolutely ready to make tough decisions. There will obviously be changes in Perth.

"We haven't been skilful enough for long enough to get into better positions in the matches.

"That's the crux there. Our batting failed three times in a row. We have a history of playing competitive cricket.

"I know we have a mixture of experienced and young players, but a lot of these players have done some amazing things for England in the recent past, and we are going to have to fight for that to happen again."

Flower, however, countered the view that England have lacked the stomach for a fight despite their weak performances.

"Usually in sporting contests, when there are losses – especially heavy losses – one of the first areas people look at is lack of fight, or the other side wanted it more," he added. "That's quite a simplistic view. We've been outplayed in these two Tests, very obviously.

"Our batting failed three times in a row and we played a little better in the fourth innings, but we will need to up these skills and improving on that batting in Perth if we are to stand any chance."