We have our work cut out after the disappointment of the Ashes series John Buchanan Ashes 2005 in depth

There had been speculation that he would carry the can for the Ashes defeat by England when a review of the team's performance was ordered.

But Cricket Australia chairman Bob Merriman said: "Before the next World Cup, we want to get the Ashes back.

"John will be in control to give him an opportunity to turn around what happened in England this year."

Merriman added: "The Australian Test and one-day international teams are ranked number one in the world.

"We are pleased their on-field success will continue to be supported by John's off-field expertise."

Since returning from England, Australia have scored a 3-0 one-day whitewash over a World XI in the ICC Super Series.

But Buchanan accepts some changes are necessary to maintain their status.

"The Ashes has given us all an opportunity to take stock.

"It's a positive outcome of the Ashes campaign and I think we've got an opportunity to do some exciting things, moving forward," the 52-year-old said.

Buchanan has been in charge since 1999, a period which has seen Australia meet and overcome every challenge.

But England's use of specialist batting, bowling and fielding coaches paid off against them this summer and it is an example Australia may now follow.

"England have set some benchmarks - one of those is the notion of specialist staff and we have been discussing that. The fine detail has yet to be worked out.

"One of the things I always champion is that we're never satisfied with what we do and were we are, we always look for improvement," said Buchanan.