Strauss not hitting panic button

England captain Andrew Strauss called for calm after his side were thrashed by Australia inside three days in the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley.

The tourists won by an innings and 80 runs to level the series at 1-1 and now need only avoid defeat in the final Test at the Oval to retain the Ashes.

But Strauss said at the post-match presentation: "It's a time to be calm and not to panic - if we win at the Oval we win the series."

He added: "It's pretty hard to take. We didn't really turn up but we have to take it on the chin.

"We've been scratching our head as to why. Once you get bowled out for a hundred, it's always pretty hard to comeback."

On the prospects of all-rounder Andrew Flintoff making a comeback for the fifth Test, Strauss said: "We're hopeful for the Oval but it's a case of seeing how he is closer to the time. It's hard to say at this stage."

Victorious Australia captain Ricky Ponting said: "It was all set up by some great bowling on the first day.

"It didn't look like there was that much in the wicket so all credit to the bowlers."