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Australia have set their sights on building a first-innings total of at least 300 on day two of the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart.

Travis Head believes a first-innings total of at least 300 will be enough to put the fifth Ashes Test on Australia's terms, likening a challenging Hobart pitch to conditions in England.

Head scored a remarkable century on day one of the pink-ball Test, rescuing his side after they collapsed to 3-12.

Australia will resume at 6-241 on Saturday, with Alex Carey (10no) and Mitchell Starc (yet to score) at the crease.

"Traditionally in Australia, it's (aiming at) that 400-plus score," Head said.

"Anything over 300 (in Hobart) is going to be a great start.

"The conditions, pink ball - we probably look at it more like a bowler-friendly (pitch).

"When we played in the UK, in the 2019 Ashes, it was all about 300. Getting to 300 and past 300.

"We know if we get enough runs, we have a high-quality bowling attack. Batting tomorrow as long as we possibly can is going to be key."

Head, who counter-punched in style after magnificent opening spells from Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad, reckons batting will become notably easier after the shine wears off the new ball.

"It's going to be a tough new-ball wicket, as we saw," he said.

"As that ball gets softer over time, it's about identifying the moments and tempo of the game - (knowing) when we might need to change and look at different plans.

"We've definitely got the bowling attack to take 20 wickets."

Head added it was too early to consider the importance of his knock of 101, relative to other career highlights.

"I'm disappointed I wasn't able to go on and get a big score," he said.

"In terms of where my innings sits, we'll wait and see.

"We've got to wait for England to bat, hopefully put them under pressure."

Play will resume at 2.30pm AEDT on Saturday after rain resulted in a delayed start and early finish to the opening day of the final Test.