Chris Rogers was the only Australian batsman to avoid embarrassment on day one of the third Ashes Test, with England already on the cusp of a first-innings lead at Edgbaston.
Fresh questions were raised of Australia’s temperament on Wednesday, when they were skittled for 136 then watched England cruise to 3-133 at stumps.
Play ended after the day’s fourth rain interruption, which saved the tourists in one regard.
Australia haven’t conceded a lead on day one of a Test since the 2010 Boxing Day clash, when England rolled them for 98 then raced to 0-157 en route to retaining the urn.
Nonetheless, England leapt into the box seat to take a 2-1 lead in the topsy-turvy series on a day of domination led by Jimmy Anderson’s greatest Ashes haul of 6-57.
Consider the debate over what pitches the hosts would like in the five-Test series over.
“It’s a typical English pitch and hopefully that will help us,” Anderson said.
The ball swung under overcast skies and seamed on a lively wicket.
Rogers top-scored with 52, the greatest example yet of how important his county experience is to the side but none of his teammates made it past 16.
“It was tough conditions, I don’t think we expected them to be as hard as they were,” Rogers said.
“The other guys probably just don’t know the conditions as well.
“Some good balls, some disappointing shots.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a few more of these kind of (pitches).”
Michael Clarke won the toss but ceded control almost straight after.
Australia levelled the series at Lord’s but the momentum generated from that 405-run victory quickly evaporated.
Clarke, David Warner and Steve Smith fell in the first hour, while Anderson scuppered thoughts of a post-lunch fightback by snaring 4-7 in 19 balls.
England needed only three bowlers and 36.4 overs to account for Australia.
“I don’t think the focus is wrong,” Rogers said.
“Finding a way, that is possibly a concern. Particularly in these conditions.
“You’ve got to find a method and we’ve got to find it quickly.”
Josh Hazlewood removed Adam Lyth for 10 but the tourists rarely troubled England’s batsmen from that point.
Nathan Lyon dismissed Alastair Cook and Ian Bell in two overs.
It will take an inspired effort with bat and ball for the visitors to avoid defeat in Birmingham.
Australia have won two Tests in England after scoring less than 136 in the first innings – both in the 19th century.
“Chasing runs in the fourth innings is going to be very difficult but if we let England get too far ahead of us tomorrow it’s going to be a real uphill battle,” he said.
Some pundits questioned why Clarke didn’t unleash his bowlers, sky high on confidence after rolling England for 103 on a docile deck at Lord’s.
Rogers disagreed.
“I had no problems with winning the toss and batting on that,” he said.
