AUSTRALIA have their ‘‘backs against the wall’’ in the World Twenty20 - but insist they like it that way.

After their seven-wicket defeat against West Indies at The Oval on Saturday, Australia must beat Sri Lanka tonight at Trent Bridge.

Otherwise, their Ashes summer will begin with an ignominious early exit from what has quickly become established as a prestigious global tournament.

Australia, however, are renowned for their ability to overcome setbacks at the start of high-profile campaigns.

It was in this country in 1999 that they left themselves needing to win all their remaining matches first to survive and then triumph – as they did – in the World Cup.

In 2003, they found themselves without master leg-spinner Shane Warne when he failed a drugs test on the eve of their first match at the World Cup in South Africa.

They won there too in the end, and under Ricky Ponting have since added a third successive World Cup in 2007.

David Hussey has no doubt Australia have all the talent they need to rescue their campaign today.

‘‘It was highly disappointing,’’ he said of the opening defeat.

‘‘But we have got to move on and play Sri Lanka and win – and win well, we hope, to stay in the tournament.

‘‘We have got our backs against the wall – and Australians love being in that situation.’’