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Key: Flops played at only 20 per cent of their best

- BY JOSHUA PECK

CRICKET chief Rob Key has admitted England have been at "20 per cent capacity" in their dreadful Ashes campaign - but backed under-fire head coach Brendon McCullum to stay in his role.

Not much has gone right for England Down Under, with the urn gone and the tourists 3-0 down after just 11 days of action.

It has taken their winless run in Australia to 18 matches, with Tests still to come in Melbourne and Sydney.

England had been tipped by many to win this winter's Ashes, with Australia weakened by injuries to their bowling attack and an unsettled batting lineup.

Director of cricket Key has apologised for England's performances and acknowledged they've been nowhere near their best.

"The most frustrating, disappointing thing is that we're so much better than what we've shown," said Key.

"We've got some brilliant players that haven't been anywhere near their full capacity.