The tourists failed to bat out the opening hour on the fourth day in Perth as Australia grabbed the five wickets they needed to level the series 1-1 with two games to play.

Strauss admitted the defeat was disappointing, particularly pointing at his side’s failures with the bat after managing scores of 187 and 123, after their innings win in Adelaide a fortnight ago.

But the skipper believes that his team’s performances in the first two Tests will ensure they will remain calm and confident that they can still retain the Ashes ahead of the fourth Test in Melbourne.

"It’s very disappointing defeat. No doubt about it," said Strauss.

"We came fully expecting to play the same brand of cricket that we played in Adelaide. We were in a great position after bowling them out for 268 and then being 70-off for none in reply.

"The batting in both innings was sub-par. But we have to retain a sense of perspective. This result doesn’t make us a bad team overnight.

"We need to retain the confidence we built from the first two Tests and come out all guns blazing in Melbourne.

"Now is not a time for panic. It is important to retain the method that’s worked well."