Tim Bresnan is ready to help England hit back at Australia on the field in the second Test of The Ashes after their humiliating defeat in the opening encounter.

Bresnan, who is in line to play in the second game after missing the first through a back injury, watched on as the Three Lions were comfortably beaten by 381 runs at The Gabba in Brisbane.

"The heavy defeat we took a couple of weeks ago did dent us," Bresnan told reporters. "But we're a group of guys that, especially when our backs are against the wall, come out fighting.

"We've done it time and time again. Especially when we're under pressure and in a corner; that's when we show our mental fortitude.

"I'm excited to be back amongst it. I wouldn't have put my name in the hat if I wasn't ready. I've bowled a lot of overs in the nets. Building up to full fitness, it does take a long while. I do feel ready."

The second Test gets underway at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.