The tourists head into the match without fast bowler Steven Finn, heading home due to a lack of form after missing the entire 5-0 Ashes whitewash as well as the opening one-dayer in Melbourne last weekend.

Finn joins Jonathan Trott (stress illness) and Graeme Swann (retired) as early departures from a tour where little has gone right for England at any point.

Australian batsman George Bailey believes he and his teammates can feel some satisfaction at a job well done when they observe opposition players needing to take a break.

"A little bit of pride in it I guess, in that we're making it so uncomfortable for guys," Bailey said.

"Whether that's through form or fitness - I don't think any of them are related - it could just be a coincidence that three have happened to do that.

"There's no doubt there's been a lot of scrutiny. It is always challenging when you're a long way from home and you can be away from family and away from the things you know."

Australia heads into today's match hoping to apply even more pressure on Alastair Cook's men.

Selectors will be loath to make too many changes from the team that won the opening match of the five-game series by six wickets with Dan Christian called up in place of injured Shane Watson and paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile likely to make way for returning quick Mitchell Johnson.

Bailey believes the return of Johnson will give England's batsmen another headache after the left-armer's devastating Ashes campaign.

"Anyone who can bowl that quick, it gives you an advantage," he said.

"Around the world there's not that many blokes that can do it ... if Mitch is on top of his game and the way he plays, I think this ground and this wicket definitely suits him."

England batsman Gary Ballance says the visitor believes it can stop Johnson having as much of an impact in the white-ball format.

"He's had a good Test series but we're ready to face him and the rest of their bowlers," said Ballance, who made 79 in the MCG clash.

"He's bowled at a decent pace but I felt like I could handle it alright."