Melbourne, Aug 23 (ANI): England coach Andy Flower has expressed his displeasure over Pakistan skipper Salman Butt backing Australia to reclaim the Ashes Down Under this summer.

Pakistan beat England by four wickets at The Oval on Saturday to reduce the hosts’ series lead to 2-1 ahead of the fourth and final Test starting at Lord’s on Thursday.

Asked about his favourite to win the Ashes series, which starts in Brisbane in November, Butt said: “The Aussies are much better players in their own conditions. The ball doesn’t swing so much, so the bowlers have to work hard. In their conditions, they are better than England.”

Unimpressed by Butt’s speculation, Flower said: “Salman Butt shouldn’t really be making judgments about our bowlers in Australia.”

“Of course, if the ball doesn’t swing at any venue, (fast) bowlers will be less dangerous. That’s perfectly obvious,” The Australian quoted Flower, as saying.

Flower wants the top order to perform better at Lord’s.

“On the batting side, I thought we under-performed without a doubt. On a good Oval pitch, scores of 233 and 222 weren’t good enough to win a Test match,” Flower said.

England’s top order has been struggling lately, with captain Andrew Strauss, fellow opener Cook, Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood all averaging below 30 in the three Tests played against Pakistan. (ANI)