The Hockeyroos from Down Under continued their barnstorming finish at the women's Champions Trophy in Macau, defeating England 2-0 yesterday to keep their hopes alive of reaching Sunday's final.
Australia now have two straight victories for seven points from four matches, but the reigning Olympic champions and World Cup holders face a real test of character when they play title favourites Argentina tomorrow in their final round-robin match.
Australia need at least a draw against Argentina - who drew 1-1 with China last night - to qualify for Sunday's final - provided China, New Zealand and the Netherlands all drop points in their final game.
Joanne Banning and Wendy Alcorn scored with field goals in the 19th and 31st minutes as Australia earned a measure of revenge for losing to the same side during the semi-finals of last month's Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
England have so far conceded 12 goals, while just scoring one - against China in a 1-1 draw last week - as the Commonwealth Games silver medallists capitulated against the Australians for the second time in a week. Australia defeated England 3-0 in a friendly in Hong Kong last Sunday and were dominant again as Australia held on to to second spot on the table.
Fresh from their emphatic 3-1 win over New Zealand on Tuesday, which was also played in the mid-afternoon heat, Australia pressed on the attack as they erased memories of Manchester with a two-goal first half flourish that would give them a lot of confidence going into their game against the unbeaten Argentinians.
The English defence finally caved into the relentless bombardment when Banning's prodded shot cannoned off English goalkeeper Katy Roberts' foot and looped over the helpless keeper into the net.