Australia all-rounder Steve Smith is hopeful that he and batting partner Mitchell Johnson can keep the hosts rolling on the second day of the third Test in Perth.

At one stage on the opening day, the Aussies were 143-5, but Smith dominated alongside Brad Haddin and Johnson at the crease to reach stumps on 326-6.

"We lost a few wickets there in the middle, so it was nice to build a partnership with Brad and then Mitchell at the end," Smith told Sky Sports News. "He strokes the ball beautifully, so hopefully in the morning we can come out and do much of the same."

Smith will resume on 103, while Johnson will begin the day on 39 for Australia.