ESSEX star Alastair Cook has said he is ready the toughest challenge as England test captain.

The 28-year-old will pick up his 100th cap for his country when the third Ashes test match starts in Perth at 2.30am on Friday.

Having seen his side be outplayed by Australia in the first two tests and knowing another loss will see the Ashes stay Down Under, Cook said he knows the stakes are high.

But he believes the England team can get a positive result in the upcoming test.

Cook said: "I don't think it is a problem lifting the players.

"The hunger and desire that has been questioned has always been there in this side and we have another chance to show it this week.

"We have to make sure we're very clear individually of our plans both with bat and ball and, as a team, how we want to operate in this game."

He went onto say it will be a "special day" as he gets his 100th cap.

"It is a huge honour for me to be joining the 100 Club," he said.

"It's one I never thought I'd get when I started off playing for Essex as a youngster and making the steps along the way."