Australia has dominated day two of the New Year's Test, with Thursday's action at the SCG highlighted by a classy century from Usman Khawaja.
England finished a rain-shortened day one with its brightest start to a match of this Ashes series, with their quicks taking a wicket each on Wednesday.
Only 46.5 overs were possible as the nagging rain hung over the ground, cutting the play short and finishing the day at an intriguing 126-3 to kick off day two.
Steve Smith and Khawaja, who both boast an impressive record at the SCG, survived the entire morning session and were unbeaten at lunch on day two.
Seamer Stuart Broad struck twice early in the afternoon session to keep England in the contest, but Khawaja continued his resistance at the other end.