Veteran batsman George Bailey says it would be naive for Australia to think a series-clinching Ashes win in Perth is a mere formality.

Australia are hot favourites to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series after crushing England in Adelaide and Brisbane.

Left-arm speedster Mitchell Johnson has been the hero with the ball for Australia, while skipper Michael Clarke, opener David Warner and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin have shone with the bat.

In contrast, England appear to be in disarray.

Their batsmen have struggled to deal with Johnson’s pace, while their bowling attack has been largely ineffective.

However, Bailey said Australia couldn’t afford to take a complacent mindset into the third Test at the WACA, starting Friday.

“I think it would be a bit naive of us to suddenly think that we had any sort of advantage over them,” Bailey said of England, who won the last series 3-0 earlier this year.

“We’ve played really good cricket and we’ve had even contributions from so many players, and that’s been really important.

“But it’s been very much drilled into us that we’ve only won two Tests in 12 months.

“Whilst the cricket we’re playing at the moment is really pleasing, it’s about being able to replicate that no matter the conditions or the ground.”

Bailey is hoping to post a big score in Perth after blowing a golden opportunity on a batsman-friendly Adelaide Oval wicket.

The 31-year-old made 53 in that game, but was left kicking himself after being dismissed just before stumps on day one.

“It was a bit frustrating really. It was a beautiful batting wicket and Michael and I had wrested the momentum back,” said Bailey, who only made his Test debut last month.

“So for me to get out late in the day, it left the innings in a bit of a precarious position.

“Hads and Pup had a wonderful partnership together to get us flying into day two.

“But my scores are going up, so hopefully that continues.”