England lost two wickets in the final 30 minutes before tea to reach the end of the second session on 91-2.
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After resuming after lunch on 24-0, Alastair Cook and Michael Carberry put on a solid 85-run partnership as they attempted to reach Australia's score of 385.
However, their spell at the crease was brought to an end when Ryan Harris bowled Carberry for 43 to bring Joe Root out to the middle at number three.
Shane Watson had been brought on by Michael Clarke for the final 20 minutes of the session, and the all-rounder picked up the wicket of the 22-year-old, but the dismissal wasn't without controversy.
Root had been adjudged to have edged behind to Brad Haddin, but the decision was immediately reviewed with the batsmen insistent that he didn't clip the ball. The evidence on DRS and Hot Spot remained inconclusive, but the decision wasn't overturned and Root was forced to leave the pitch.
Cook, who remains unbeaten on 42, and Kevin Pietersen negotiated the final three overs before tea, but England must fight hard in the final session to retain a chance in this Test match.
You can keep track of the final session on day two by following Sports Mole's live commentary.
