Cook says team hungry as ever

England captain Alastair Cook insisted today his under-pressure team was as hungry as ever and did not need lifting, despite being crushed in the first two Ashes Tests by Australia.
Cook, who like Australian skipper Michael Clarke will play his 100th Test in Perth from Friday, said his side retained the belief that they can prevent Australia winning at the WACA to take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series.
"Our confidence has obviously had a hit from the first two Test matches," he told reporters, referring to Brisbane and Adelaide.
"But as a squad we've made a conscious effort to look forward rather than back. We think we've got our preparations right."

England will go into the Test with coach Andy Flower suggesting there will be changes from the team that played in Adelaide, where they opted for two spinners in Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann.
Perth is more of a fast-bowlers track and Panesar is expected to miss out, although a team has yet to be announced.

"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," Flower said ahead of the game.
Cook refused to speculate on who might be in the starting 11.

"We will try to pick the best team to win the game. We have a lot of experience in the side, but it's about making sure we deliver in the middle," he said.
"We have a lot of options in the squad, there's a good balance. Whatever team we go in with will be the best one to win the game.