Melbourne: England were dismissed for 513 and left Australia 415 runs to avoid an innings and series defeat at lunch on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
James Anderson became the last wicket to fall, bowled by Peter Siddle for the paceman's sixth wicket of the innings shortly before lunch.
Jonathan Trott remained unbeaten on 168 as England's marathon innings stretching over 700 minutes and 159.1 overs came to an end.
Australia now face the massive challenge of occupying the crease for eight sessions to prevent a probable England victory and with it the retention of the Ashes they won last year.
Trott batted for 468 minutes, faced 345 balls and hit 14 balls in an innings that fortified England's impregnable position.
Australia suffered further misfortune when paceman Ryan Harris pulled up while bowling the fifth ball of his 29th over.
He immediately pulled off his left boot and sock and limped from the ground with the team physio and is likely to take no further part in the Test match.
A team spokesman said Harris had sustained an ankle injury and was unlikely to bowl again in the Test.
Australia claimed the remaining five wickets in the morning session after England had resumed at 444 for five.
Matt Prior, who was caught off a no-ball when he was five, chipped a catch to Ricky Ponting at mid-on off Siddle for 85.
Siddle then had Tim Bresnan caught behind for four and Ben Hilfenhaus picked up his first wicket with Graeme Swann caught behind for 22.
Hilfenhaus bowled Chris Tremlett for four and Siddle wrapped up a big-hearted bowling performance with the wicket of Anderson for one.
Siddle finished with 6-75 off 33.1 overs and Hilfenhaus and Johnson took two wickets each.