The England cricketers are eight for one heading into the second day of the fifth and final Ashes test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
After being 97 for five at one stage Australia were bowled out for 326 in their first innings.
England allrounder Ben Stokes claimed career-best figures of 6-99.
The Australian pace man Mitchell Johnson ensured Australia went to stumps on a high when he removed Michael Carberry for a no score.
For Australia Steve Smith and Brad Haddin put on a crucial 128 run sixth wicket stand.
The pressure is on England given their struggling batting order has managed just two totals greater than 300 this series.
