Australia need 20 runs to win the first Ashes Test against England with one wicket in hand at lunch on day five at Trent Bridge.
The visitors started the morning session on 174-6 and steadily added 33 to their overnight score when Ashton Agar was caught in the slips by Alastair Cook following a James Anderson delivery.
The combination of Anderson and Cook struck again soon after as Mitchell Starc was dismissed for one to ease the nerves of the home fans.
Australia were given a reprieve when Peter Siddle was dropped by Cook, but the England captain made no mistake a second time as he caught the batsman off Anderson for 11.
However, Brad Haddin (69 not out) and James Pattinson (22 not out) will start at the crease after the break as the Aussies chase the win.