Adam Gilchrist believes the Australian public are finally looking beyond the flashy cars and clothes and accepting Michael Clarke as a "fighter" as the captain prepares for the 100th Test against England at the WACA.

Back-to-back hundreds in the first two matches of the Ashes series have continued Clarke's extraordinary period with the bat since assuming the leadership in 2011.

And on top of the prolific run-scoring, Gilchrist believes the aggressive attitude Clarke is exhibiting, even leading him to be fined for his "broken arm" sledge at England's James Anderson in Brisbane, is endearing him to the public.

"He's a fighter. He's not a guy that prances around and just has flashy cars or clothes. He likes flashy cars, he likes good clothes, but he's a fighter and he's got some real character in there," Gilchrist said at the WACA on Wednesday.

"And I think not only his team-mates are feeling that now but also the Australian public I think have seen that and there seems to be a trend change in acceptance of him. No one's ever questioned his batting ability, his runs speak for themselves, but I think they're enjoying seeing his character come through that everyone can engage with and relate to.

"I think he's one of the great beneficiaries of having Darren Lehmann around. I can't put words in his mouth but I would imagine if you ask him at the end he would speak along similar lines. He just de-stresses situations and players and leaders, so I think Pup has really relished working with him, and that's allowed a lot more of his inner personality to come out."

Gilchrist was in Ricky Ponting's team that was stunned by England in 2005, ending 16 years of Australian dominance, but has been taken aback at how Clarke's side have turned the tables so far this summer.

He credits the appointment of Darren Lehmann as head coach as being as key to their vastly improved performances as the frightening form of Mitchell Johnson, who has pocketed 17 wickets in two matches leading into Perth. The third Test starts on Friday, and will coincidentally also be the 100th appearance for England captain Alastair Cook.

"I can't remember such a shift in power between two teams in such a short space of time," Gilchrist said. "I thought the Englishmen would play these conditions quite well. I thought their batsmen would really look forward to batting on some of these pitches as opposed to what was presented in the Ashes in England. So it's been remarkable.

"Obviously Mitch has been of vital importance but I continue to go back to Darren Lehmann and the seeds that he would have planted as soon as he assumed that role. His fingerprints are all over the atmosphere around that team. I know from personal experience he's a guy who creates the right atmosphere for people to feel like they can do their best."

Meanwhile, Lehmann has indicated that Australia are unlikely to pick James Faulkner as an extra fast bowler at the WACA, instead sticking with spinner Nathan Lyon in the heatwave conditions.

“We'll have to look at the wicket first and foremost, see what it's like. If we think it warrants him (Faulkner) playing and the four quicks so be it," Lehmann said.

"But, look, it's going to be hot weather here – it's 35 and getting up to 40 on Monday – so we'll probably … I think we'll play the spinner."