The Perth deck was criticised during last summer's clash against New Zealand for lacking carry, despite curator Matthew Page declaring he had been diligently working towards it being like the "olden days".

The Perth wicket still retains a mystique from the 1970s and '80s when it was the fastest in the world but a resurfacing of the centre square in the 1990s changed the complexion of the deck.

The clay base in the pitch was changed several years ago in the hope of reprising its reputation but former quick Mitchell Johnson has opened up about how shattered he was last year when confronted by a placid deck, and how this contributed to his retirement during the Test against the Black Caps.

Voges, 37, had seen it all in his time in Perth, and is optimistic about what awaits come Thursday week in what will be the last WACA Test for at least two years with the new Perth Stadium set to host next year's Ashes Test.

"Obviously, there was a fair bit of criticism about the WACA wicket last year. I know Matt Page the curator really well. I know he has been working extremely hard to ensure he provides a good wicket this year," Voges said.

"It didn't have the pace and bounce in it that you normally associate with the WACA wicket. But, for the majority of the Shield season last year, the wickets were really good. I am sure it is going to be a good wicket.

"When you see that extra bounce and pace, I know that the fast bowlers get excited, that means we (batsmen) have our work cut out for us but that's a good thing."

A good indication will come from Tuesday when the Warriors host South Australia in a day-night Sheffield Shield clash. The Cricket Australia policy is for the Shield pitch immediately preceding a Test to be as much like the one to be used in the international clash as possible.

"We, obviously, have a day-night Shield game starting on Tuesday. I believe he (Page) will try and make that as similar as possible to what he wants to produce for the Test wicket. I guess we'll get a better idea next week," Voges said.

Traditionalists typically hope for the pitch to have a sheen which, while confronting for the batsmen, also ensures value for their cross-bat strokes.

"I have played on a few of those ones when you have the sheen. They were the quick ones, they were the ones that flew through. If you have got the pace and bounce, I don't think you necessarily need sideways movement off the wicket because it will swing as well," Voges said.

"If you have got pace and bounce and swing, I think that gives everyone a chance. I think last year because the wicket was dry as well, which then scuffs the ball up a bit more, which means it doesn't swing as much – batting at the WACA is a different ball game when the ball is swinging, there is no doubt. With the pace and bounce, when they get it right, you know if you nick one, it is going to carry.

"You don't need to put too much grass on it, you don't need to worry about it cracking – I think cracking is a good thing for the wicket and I know people get worried when it cracks, but I actually think it's a good thing if it cracks on day four or five because that's another challenge itself when you are playing there."

Voges, as was the case with most of his Australian teammates, had a disappointing tour of Sri Lanka, finishing with 118 runs at 19.6. While his average after 18 Tests remains 72.75, and his experience and calm approach is rated highly, his age means he cannot afford a sustained run of outs.

"Of course, I want a good innings to start the summer. I want to be contributing as much as I possibly can. Sri Lanka was disappointing but it's a new series now – it's an opportunity for a new start and I'll be certainly looking forward to hitting the ground running," he said.