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London: A conservative batting performance steered England towards safety in the final Test against Australia and lifted their chances of ending the Ashes series undefeated.
The hosts scored only 215 runs in 98.3 overs on a soporific third day to move within 46 runs of the follow-on at 247-4 in reply to Australia's 492-9 declared.
Joe Root found some form with 68 and Kevin Pietersen made a patient 50, but there was another failure for captain Alastair Cook, who was caught behind for 25.
Ian Bell ended the day unbeaten on 29, alongside debutant Chris Woakes, who drove the first ball of his Test career through the covers for four on his way to 15.
With significant rainfall forecast for Saturday, England's approach should ensure they salvage the draw they require to win the series 3-0.
England's openers, who survived a testing period on Thursday evening to reach 32-0, advanced to their highest partnership of the series - 68 - before Cook perished.
The skipper, who is averaging only 27 for the series, had just survived a reviewed appeal for leg before wicket from Ryan Harris, but fell in the fast bowler's next over when he hung his bat out and nudged one through to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Brief scores
Australia 492 for 9 dec (Watson 176, Smith 138*, Anderson 4-95)
England 247 for 4 (Root 68, Pietersen 50)
Status England trail by 245 runs
