Andy Murray has admitted that he is wary of the need to conserve energy in the searing Melbourne heat when his Australian Open campaign resumes later today.

The British number one goes up against Joao Sousa in the second round at around 2am UK time, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees on court.

Murray believes that he will need to prepare properly for the difficult conditions to ensure safe progression to the third round.

He told BBC Sport: "Preferably if there's a bit of shade on the court in temperatures like that, it obviously helps.

"For a majority of the day, it's going to be tough conditions to play in and I need to be ready for it."

The 25-year-old is second favourite with the bookies to triumph in the year's opening Grand Slam behind defending champion Novak Djokovic.