A half-century from captain Steve Smith helped drag Australia out of trouble after the Ashes hosts had been reduced to 76/4 by England on day two at the Gabba
Australia ended the day 165/4, trailing England by 137 after the tourists were bowled out for 302 before lunch having started the day on 296/4.
Smith ended the day 64 not out following an unbroken 89-run partnership with Glamorgan’s new overseas signing Shaun Marsh (44 not out) in the final session.
But the tourists put Australia on the ropes with quick wickets before Smith and Marsh held firm.
Morning
England started the day in solid fashion as Dawid Malan and Moeen Ali, resuming on 196/4, saw off the new ball, with Malan going on to reach his half-century.
The fall of Malan's wicket for 53 - a top edge pull off Mitchell Starc - sparked a batting collapse as England lost their last six wickets for just 56 runs.
Malan was quickly followed back to the changing room by Moeen Ali, who fell lbw to Nathan Lyon, before the Australia bowler bowled Chris Woakes for a duck.
Jonny Bairstow was caught trying to pull Pat Cummins and, despite some late resistance, Jake Ball and Stuart Broad were dismissed as England were bowled out for 302 before lunch.
Afternoon
England made an early breakthrough when Stuart Broad removed debutant Cameron Brancroft with an edge to Jonny Bairstow.
That left Australia 7/1 and the second wicket soon followed as Ali trapped Usman Khawaja lbw.
The Three Lions then made a key breakthrough before tea as opener David Warner spooned to Malan at mid wicket off Jake Ball, meaning Australia went in on 76/3 at tea.
Evening
James Anderson claimed the fourth wicket in the first over after tea as Peter Handscomb was rapped on the pads in front of the stumps, with the on-field not out decision reversed on DRS.
Australia then dug in to stop England's momentum before building a strong partnership between Smith and Marsh for the remainder of the final session.