After shocking England in the opening Ashes Test on Saturday, captain Steve Smith called the collective effort “outstanding” and cautioned that a confident Australia were ready to ram home their advantage.
They are well-positioned for the day-night match in Brisbane on December 4 after their incredible eight-wicket triumph in just two days at Perth Stadium. Since World War II, England has only won twice at the Gabba.
“That’s certainly our plan,” Smith said on making the most of their ascendancy when the great rivals next meet.
“We want to win every game. But you know, they’re a good side. They’ve played good cricket for a long time, and we know that.
“We know the style of play that they have, they’re going to have their moments where they come off, players are going to score quickly and get away from us at times.
“And I think it’s just about being calm in those moments trying to come up with plans to either slow them down or get them out.”
When England’s cartel of fast bowlers dismissed Australia for 132 in their opening innings, the triumph in Perth appeared improbable.
However, the hosts were forced back into the game and given a target of 205 to chase thanks to some outstanding bowling from Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and rookie Brendan Doggett.
Travis Head’s quickfire match-winning 123, which blasted England’s express quicks to every part of the ground, made it easy to do.
“I think there’s a lot of belief in that change room,” said stand-in captain Smith, calling the team “outstanding”.
“It’s different when you’re 50 behind to if it was a 300-350. And the guys only bowled 30-odd overs. So they’ve only bowled one or two spells, so they were reasonably fresh today.
“Obviously it’s difficult still backing up, and they did it exceptionally well.”
