London: Joe Root fell for 68 as England crawled to 181-3 at tea on day three of the fifth Ashes test at The Oval, still 311 runs behind Australia on Friday.
The Australians also claimed the wicket of Jonathan Trott (40) in the second session, with England scoring just 84 runs in 38 overs and still needing another 112 to avoid the follow-on.
Kevin Pietersen was 29 not out and Ian Bell unbeaten on 4.
Root's 184-ball innings ended when he played a rash shot off spinner Nathan Lyon and was caught by Michael Clarke, before Trott was trapped lbw to Mitchell Starc on the first delivery with the new ball.
The English have already won the five-match series, which they lead 3-0.
