England reduced to 197 for eight in reply to Australia's first innings total of 481 on second day of Ashes finale at London's Oval on Friday.
Aussie vice captain Steven Smith's inspiring 143 help his team to an imposing total of 481 all out. England then collapsed on a largely battling pitch, losing seven wickets during a post-tea session to close the second day on 107 for eight wickets, according to BBC Sports.
Australia's pacers Peter Siddle and Mitchell Marsh picked up five wickets, while spinner Nathn Lyon took two wickets. Marsh took three wickets for 18 runs in seven over - his career best figures in test cricket, according to AFP.
"It was tough to start with, I think a lot of credit has to go to the openers, I think they got us off to a terrific start," said Steve Smith, who scored 143, ABC News reported.
"Yesterday I felt my first 20 runs I couldn't get in much of a rhythm. I was trying to stay as tight as I could and grind it out, and I knew if I stayed out there for long enough it would get easier, and it turned out to be that way," he said.
See the Cricbuzz Scorecard here. Watch the live streaming of third day from London's Oval ground here, here and here.
England's Moeen Ali and Mark Wood remained unbeaten at eight runs at the end of day. England still need 175 more runs to avoid the follow-on with just two wickets in hand.
England have already won the five-match Ashes series with 3-1 lead after victories at Cardiff, Edgbaston and Trent Bridge.
