Needing victory to retain a chance of winning the Ashes, England reserved possibly their worst performance of the series for the crucial opening day.

After Nasser Hussain won the toss and decided to bat first, England slumped to 185 all out. Australia were 126 for two at the close.

The tourists lost seven wickets for 84 runs in 34 overs after a succession of ill-judged shots as Brett Lee marked his return to international cricket by claiming three for 78.

Lee delivered the most hostile spell of bowling in the series so far on a pitch rated the fastest at Perth in nearly 20 years. He hit speeds of 95mph at one stage.

Only Robert Key, who top-scored with 47, showing the hard work and bravery to survive. He lasted 136 minutes only to fall to the final ball before tea from part-time seamer Damien Martyn.

England's innings was given a solid start by openers Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan, who survived fiery opening spells from Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie, when Lee marked his comeback with the first of three wickets.

Trescothick made 34 off 44 balls but paid the price for his attacking policy when he edged behind trying to push off the back foot. The remainder of the top order followed without too much of a fight.

England allowed Australia to race off to a flying start with openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden reaching 31 without loss in only six overs.

The tourists got an unexpected bonus when Langer was run out by Chris Silverwood's throw from the deep. But after Hayden had holed out, an opportunity to claim Martyn cheaply was spurned when Trescothick failed to hold a difficult chance at slip off Craig White.

Ricky Ponting is unbeaten on 43 off 47 balls, Martyn is 20 not out.