Australian coach John Buchanan has called for a full review of Australia's Ashes defeat after captain Ricky Ponting [Images] admitted his team had lost their ruthless edge.

Buchanan, whose own position is under threat following the 2-1 series loss to England [Images], said it was obvious changes were needed and no one should be exempt from the review.

"Everything has to be reviewed. There's no doubt about that," he told reporters at Brisbane airport on Thursday. "Success or non-success, you're always trying to work out how you can improve things."

Buchanan said he hoped to remain in charge despite growing calls for his sacking.

"I'm keen to continue but I'm part of the mix as well so it's not really up to me to venture into that debate," he said. "So my position should not be exempt from that, just the same as everybody else in Cricket Australia.

"That's all part of the territory, if you win, as we see with England, (there are) lots of tumultuous celebrations and accolades, and if you lose everyone looks for reasons why."

Ponting's leadership has also come under fire with former test bowler Dennis Lillee urging selectors to give the captaincy to Shane Warne [Images].

Like Buchanan, Ponting also said he wants to stay in the job and has urged the selectors not to make wholesale changes because of a defeat in one series.

Ponting said Australia's preparation for the series had been perfect but the team failed to grasp their opportunities.

"Looking back on the series I think the ruthless edge was missing," Ponting said.

"I think the ruthless edge comes from those really tough, big, defining moments in test matches and unfortunately we didn't stand up this time. Usually this team lifts when the big occasions are there. We didn't do that this time.

"England on the other hand approached it differently. They had nothing to lose, they wanted to get out there and play the best cricket they could and hopefully regain the Ashes. They certainly outplayed us."