Australia will be hoping for a repeat performance of Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin's epic 307-run stand in the first Ashes test, after Steven Finn claimed the wicket of Marcus North just two overs before the tea break, leaving Australia reeling at 159-5.
The in-form Hussey remains on 72 not out, while Haddin has added three runs to the Australian total.
North was caught behind by English wicketkeeper Matt Prior for 26 runs after offering an unconvincing attempt to play a ball bowled by Jimmy Anderson.
The Australians endured a horror start to the day after captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat.
Simon Katich was run out without facing a ball after a mix-up with opening partner Shane Watson in the first over, while Ponting joined Katich in the dressing room shortly after, edging the first delivery he faced from Anderson to Graeme Swann in the slips cordon.
Vice captain Michael Clarke continued his struggles with the bat, making only two runs before he too was caught in the slips off Anderson's bowling.
Anderson remains the pick of the England bowlers, claiming three wickets for 31 runs in 12 overs.
Steven Finn was the other bowler to claim a scalp, notching figures of one wicket for 45 runs in nine overs.
