The Ashes: Alastair Cook Says England's Performance 'Unacceptable'

England cricket captain Alastair Cook has said the performance of his team was unacceptable in the second Ashes Test after the hosts were crushed by Australia by 405 runs here to level the series 1-1.

Chasing a monumental target of 509 runs, England were bowled out for a meagre 103 in their second innings at Lord's on Sunday. (Also read: Steve Smith smashes 77-year-old Ashes record)

"That's not ideal in any circumstances for any team. It's certainly something we'll have to look at over the next couple of days. To get bowled out on that kind of wicket for 100 is not good enough, not acceptable and not up to the standard the guys can play," Cook was quoted by BBC as saying on Sunday. (Also read: Alastair Cook struggling to find answers after Lord's loss)

"Today was for them (Australia) the icing on the cake but for us a real kick in the teeth. We want to play on English wickets and that probably wasn't too English but that's nowhere near an excuse. We've been totally outplayed in four days. It's down to the side to play the cricket on whatever surface you are given."

The next Test will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 29 to August 2 before which the tourists will also play a three-day first class game against Derbyshire from July 23 to 25 at County Ground, Derby. (Australia media claims 'moral lead' after Lord's massacre)

The 30-year-old hoped that the rest of the series will be played on pitches that assist England's seamers.

"The last three times we've gone 1-0 up in a series we haven't managed to play anywhere near the standard we set ourselves in the following game. We had an opportunity here to build on Cardiff and we haven't taken it," said the captain.

England selectors will meet on Tuesday to pick the squad for the third Test.