Cricket: England preparing for fiery contest with Aussies in Ashes opener

Mitchell Starc of Australia celebrates taking the wicket of Alastair Cook of England. Photo / Photosport

England coach Trevor Bayliss has declared his side ready to fight fire with fire and take it to Australia in the first Ashes test, starting in Brisbane on Wednesday.

The Gabba test has repeatedly been England's undoing in away Ashes series. From Nasser Hussain's decision to bowl first in 2002-03 to Steve Harmison's embarrassing first-ball wide in 2006-07, Australia have averaged a 227-run first-innings advantage over England in the past six Brisbane tests.

It's seen as a major reason why England have won just one Ashes series on Australian soil in three decades. Already, there is a sense among the English media and supporters that a draw would be a good result from Brisbane, given Australia's 28-year unbeaten run at the Gabba.

But Bayliss, a former New South Wales player and coach, said he already knew what to expect from the Australian team and vowed his side would meet them on the aggression front.

"Australia, whether they are batting or bowling, like to hit the opposition hard early," Bayliss said.

"I think it's important we do the same. The guys have been talking about going hard ourselves. We're not here to make up the numbers. We're intent on winning the series and whatever that takes to achieve that."

Bayliss said his team no longer had any reason to fear the hosts after claiming five of the past seven series and sitting above them in the ICC test rankings.

"We've played very well against Australia over the past few years and there's no reason that can't continue."

England's on-field preparations ended disappointingly on Saturday when they failed to cruise through a young Cricket Australia XI in Townsville, having to settle for a draw.

Meanwhile, former captain Hussain has called on England to "exploit" a supposed selection failure by Australia, also arguing the locals' bold calls have already created undue pressure.

Hussain's Daily Mail newspaper column was published as England struggled to break a 263-run stand between Jason Sangha and Matt Short on the last day of the visitors' final tour game. England's bowlers, minus Jimmy Anderson, all battled in Townsville. But Hussain says the tourists have every reason to feel confident because of the new faces in Australia's XI, Cameron Bancroft, Shaun Marsh and Tim Paine.

"One of the skills of selection is to alleviate pressure from the guys you pick. The Australians have done the opposite," Hussain wrote.

"A week ago, all the talk was about how England's fringe players were going to cope with the Ashes cauldron, that chat has now moved to the Aussies.

"The Australian public and media get behind their team when it's going well, but they're quick to pile in when they're struggling.

"The danger with these selections is that it doesn't take much for the grumbles to start."