ODI series: Prospect of longest ever losing streak has left England in a 'very desperate' state, admits Jos Buttler

One more defeat would leave England equalling their worst ever run of 10 matches without victory

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has admitted the side are in a 'desperate state' as they face the prospect of equalling their worst ever run of defeats (GETTY IMAGES)

Jos Buttler has revealed England's “very desperate” desire to avoid matching their longest ever losing streak when they meet Australia in the fourth one-day international in Perth on Friday.

England have lost nine games on the spin, dating back to last summer, to leave them just shy of an unwanted record set in 1993 and 2001.

Defeat in Perth, where the Ashes were lost before Christmas, would also see England match their worst run against Australia.

"Obviously we are very desperate to avoid that (losing record)," Buttler said.

"It's not a tag anyone would like. You go into every game wanting to win it and we haven't done that this tour.

"Everyone is very disappointed with that fact, but Friday is another opportunity to try and turn that around."

Australia's 3-0 series lead has elevated them to the top of the ODI world rankings - after India lost in New Zealand on Wednesday - which presents England with a chance to immediately knock them off that perch.

Buttler is unfussed by such thoughts, admitting breaking their duck against Australia this winter is the only priority.

"It is a major focus for us to win a game of cricket," he said.

"We haven't done that on this tour and everyone knows why, because we haven't performed well enough.

"We have to turn that around at some point. We can't hide behind the fact and no-one wants to continue losing every game of cricket anyone ever plays for England again.

"At some point we need to turn that around and tomorrow's another opportunity to do that."

England have had four days to reflect on what they must do differently, after conceding the five-match series in Sydney on Sunday.

A long team meeting proceeded an intense four-hour training session on Tuesday, and Buttler suggested playing without fear was a key resolution to turning fortunes around.

"One-day cricket is a tough game to play when your confidence has been knocked," he said.

"You need to play with that free, open mind. That's something we need to do.

"We can't worry about consequences of playing a shot and worrying about getting out.

"We just need to take that mentality in - we had a good chat on Tuesday and a day off yesterday. Everyone is feeling refreshed.

"You've seen the Australians playing with a good brand of cricket and a very confident brand of cricket naturally because they are winning games.

"It's a very tough thing to do when you are losing games to not worry about the outcomes of potentially getting out and these sorts of things.

"That's something we have to do - lose that worry of those kinds of things and know what good players we are and be confident in that."

PA