England's top scorer Ian Bell hopes his team can battle their way back into the first Test in Brisbane after Australia closed day one only 235 behind at 25-0.
"The ball swung around all day, which is unusual in Australia, and if we have the same conditions we back our guys to put it in the right places," he said.
Bell, who made 76 in a modest 260 total after England chose to bat, said it was "not a million miles away from par."
"It hasn't all gone to plan but we're going to come out scrapping."
England were undone by a Peter Siddle hat-trick, the paceman capturing 6-54 and Bell admitted: "We are certainly under par, but credit to Siddle, it was a fantastic spell.
"The ball swung around, but it was the right decision to bat first."
The 28-year-old also recalled his first Test in Australia at Brisbane four years ago when the home side amassed 346-3 and went on to win by 277 runs, their first victory in a 5-0 series whitewash.
"It's a better day than we had last time we were here," he said. "The guys are still in good spirits, we know what we need to do and the guys are ready for it."
As Shane Watson and Simon Katich comfortably steered the Aussies to 25-0 in the early stages of their reply, the indications were not promising.
But Bell said: "Hopefully the wicket will quicken up and our bowlers will get the most out of it.
"There are some disappointed guys, but it's [only] day one of an Ashes series.
"But the atmosphere was unbelievable, the noise and everything. It was something really special to play in. Siddle bowled a great spell."
Discussing his own innings, which featured eight boundaries, he explained: "I've gained a lot of experience over the last couple of years and started to put that into my game a little bit.
"Hopefully the best is still to come. [Batting coach] Graham Gooch has helped my cricket. I'm full of confidence at the moment."
Asked if he was content to bat down the order or coveted another chance at number three, Bell replied: "I am enjoying my role at number six.
"My record isn't great at number three. It is something I would like a shot at again, but I have to work my way up."
Siddle, celebrating a Test-best haul on his 26th birthday, said of the delivery that got him his hat-trick: "It didn't really worry me too much, it being a hat-trick ball.
"The crowd starting roaring, and it was very loud out there and definitely did pump me up. There was a little bit of adrenaline from the crowd but it didn't come off as the ball I wanted.
"Still, it got him [Stuart Broad] in front [lbw]. I knew it was most likely in line."
After battling with injury for most of the year to earn a recall ahead of Doug Bollinger, Siddle added: "It's just been an amazing day.
"Any wicket is good and in a series like this, to contribute with those three plus the others makes it a good start for us and hopefully the boys can go on.
"It was a bit of change from my type of bowling. I usually go short of a length but on this type of wicket a little bit fuller worked well."
Listen to the day one Test Match Special podcast here.
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