England and Australia resume their Ashes battle at Headingley on Thursday morning, ready to test the theory that Steve Smith is the difference between the two sides.

Smith is a notable absentee from the third Specsavers Test, having scored 378 runs in three innings before Jofra Archer's 92mph bouncer left him with a concussion and possibly changed the course of the series.

Without his runs and resolute crease occupation, Australia's 1-0 series lead might easily have been reversed and the hosts must now take advantage of his absence as they bid to level the score in Leeds.

Australia captain Tim Paine welcomed the sense of hype around the game and is confident his side are ready to take on Archer's express pace.

"We've got to have a plan to counter that and I know our boys will. Everyone is going to be different, we're all different players," he said.

"When someone's bowling fast and the crowd's up and about it's exciting, your adrenaline starts pumping. It's exciting, I think it's great for Test match cricket.

"I think the interest it's sparked in the last week or 10 days has been great for the game and the people that have been watching it have thoroughly enjoyed it. We're looking forward to the challenge again this week."