Andrew Strauss declared before play began on 311 for 6, setting Australia a victory target of 522.

England took the wickets of Simon Katich and Phillip Hughes in the first session of the day as the Aussies reached 76 for 2 at lunch.

The wicket of Hughes causing controversy. Strauss took the catch off the bowling of Andrew Flintoff, the Australians were uncertain whether the ball had carried to the slips, but umpire Rudi Koertzen chose not refer the decision to the TV umpire.

Into the afternoon England claimed the wickets of Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Marcus North, but Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin held up the victory push.

Clarke was unbeaten on 125 at the close with Haddin on 80.

A tense final day of the test in store with England needing five more wickets and Australia another 209 runs for an unlikely victory.