Steve Smith has insisted that Australia's batsmen will play positively against Monty Panesar when he takes on Graeme Swann's role in the Boxing Day Test.

Following Swann's surprise retirement, with England having already lost The Ashes, Panesar is expected to be recalled as the tourists' spinner for the fourth Test at Melbourne, which begins midnight on Thursday.

The Aussies took the attack to Swann in their three victories so far this series, with the 34-year-old taking only seven wickets at an average of 80, and Smith has vowed that this tactic will continue should Panesar replace him at the MCG, although Durham's uncapped leg spinner Scott Borthwick is also in contention.

"When he comes on to bowl, I'm sure we're going to be looking to keep scoring runs and putting the pressure back on him," Smith told reporters.

"[Australia coach] Darren Lehmann says that's the way we should play our cricket against spin, especially on the wickets here in Australia which are pretty consistent and don't have a great deal of spin. The way we've played Swann has been very good."

Swann conceded 560 runs at at economy rate of 3.94 in the first three Tests of England's tour.