No complacency from England - Prior

Prior's scintillating innings of 61, off just 42 deliveries, was the catalyst for an evening session which reaped 181 runs in just over 30 overs. When rain swept in to confirm an early close England had therefore piled up 311 for six, an overall advantage of 521 over Australia, and now have two days to complete victory.

"We are very confident," said Prior, despite England's recent failures to close the deal in Tests against Sri Lanka and South Africa at the same ground. "In the first innings we bowled them out for 215 and the wicket is the same wicket."

He added: "We certainly have the firepower and the skill in the changing room to do the job.

"We are in a great position and it is up to us to push home. We are all very determined not to let this slip.

"We fought hard. You talk about putting your foot on someone's throat and not letting go - we've done that very well.

"They threw punches back, like any Australian team does, but we managed to cushion those blows and came back even harder."

England contemplated an evening declaration only for the weather to scupper their plans.

They are yet to decide what to do on the fourth morning but there is such a long time left in the contest that an immediate pull-out, and fair weather, would technically open up the chance of Australian victory despite history books showing the best-ever Test chase being 418 by West Indies against Australia in 2002-03.

Asked if England could now not be defeated, Prior replied: "Famous last words. This is a funny game and everyone has seen and played enough cricket to know that is never the case. We have played great cricket for three days and we deserve to be in the position we are in."