England must be wary of 'wounded' Australia

England need to match the desperation of a wounded Australia if they are to beat the hosts at their traditional stronghold of Perth in the third Ashes test, according to captain Andrew Strauss.

England, who hold a 1-0 lead in the five-test series, can retain the Ashes with victory at the WACA but have struggled on its fast pitches in the past and slumped to five straight losses to the hosts at the ground.

"We've got to be just as desperate as Australia because if we're not we'll come unstuck." Strauss told reporters after the team's training session at the ground.

"We're expecting five days of very tough test cricket here. If Australia were wounded in Adelaide and have a point to prove, we've got to be ready to counter that."

England, like Australia, have held off naming their final XI until the first day of the test on Thursday.

Pacemen Chris Tremlett or Tim Bresnan are favoured to move into the side to replace the injured Stuart Broad.