Michael Slater completes a remarkable century with another huge drive (Radio 4)

But Slater, who hit was is likely to prove a match-winning innings as the wickets were tumbling around him, was fortunate to still be at the crease after getting the benefit of the doubt for a tight run-out decision on 35.

The stroke-playing opener bludgeoned some amazing shots, including three huge sixes off off-spinner Peter Such, on the way to his third century of the series to lead Australia to 178-7 at tea, 280 runs in front.

Only one other batsman reached double figures, as England's bowlers produced an excellent early rearguard action to give themselves a slender chance.

But Slater's awesome effort ensured that Australia will now set England a virtually impossible target to win the match on a turning wicket.

Morning glory for bowlers

England's desperate bid to force their way back into the match had got off to a fine start with four wickets in the morning.

Darren Gough lifts England with the early wicket of Mark Taylor (Radio 4)

And it was Saturday's bowling heroes, Dean Headley and Darren Gough, who did the initial damage.

Gough - pumped up after his first innings hat-trick - struck in his opening over of the morning, as Australian skipper Mark Taylor edged the ball to his opposite number Alec Stewart at second slip for two.

Headley continued the form he showed in Melbourne

Headley then doubled the damage, with Justin Langer dismissed for one, debatably adjudged lbw to a rising delivery that struck him on the thigh pad and looked to be clearing the stumps.

But Slater, in typically confident mood, and Mark Waugh were able to steady the ship with a useful partnership as Australia's lead went past the 150 mark.

Slater, however, experienced an almighty slice of luck to survive a run-out decision on 35.

Michael Slater awaits the verdict over a touch and go run-out decision (Radio 4)

Headley produced a superb throw from the deep to hit the stumps with Slater chasing a second run - but, after an agonising delay while the third umpire checked the inconclusive TV replays, the opener was given not out.

Mark Waugh is third man out, to a sharp catch from Mark Ramprakash (Radio 4)

England did not have to wait long for their next breakthrough, though. Headley was brought back into the attack and he fired in a short ball which Waugh turned to square leg, where Mark Ramprakash executed a superb one-handed catch to dismiss the first innings centurion for 24.

Slater looked intent on hitting Such out of the attack, but the spinner stuck to his task and he was immediately rewarded with the wicket of Darren Lehmann, who cut a wide delivery to short leg and John Crawley juggled with the ball before claiming a fine catch.

Ian Healy becomes Peter Such's second victim of the day (Radio 4)

The first breakthrough after lunch came when wicketkeeper Ian Healy dollied a straightforward chance into the hands of Crawley at short leg off Such and was dismissed for five.

Dean Headley rips out Steve Waugh's off stump (Radio 4)

Healy's departure brought Steve Waugh to the wicket, after he was forced to drop down the order following a hamstring injury.

And Australia's most dangerous batsman was for once removed cheaply, clean bowled by Dean Headley for eight.

Shane Warne holes out to Mark Ramprakash in the deep (Radio 4)

With Slater now in real barnstorming mode, Shane Warne tried to emulate his senior partner - but a huge hit into the deep brought his downfall as Mark Ramprakash held a low catch.

Scorecard - Tea:

Australia second innings:
M Slater not out 122
M Taylor c Stewat b Gough 2
J Langer lbw b Headley 1
M Waugh not out 24
D Lehmann c Crawley b Such 0
I Healy c Crawley b Such 5
S Waugh b Headley 8
S Warne c Ramprakash b Such 8
S MacGill not out 5
Extras 3
Total (for 7 wickets, 61 overs) 178

Fall: 1-16, 2-25, 3-64, 4-73, 5-91, 6-110, 7-141

England first innings:
M Butcher lbw b Warne 36
A Stewart c Warne b McGrath 3
N Hussain c M Waugh b Miller 42
M Ramprakash c MacGill b McGrath 14
G Hick c Warne b MacGill 23
J Crawley not out 44
W Hegg b Miller 15
A Tudor b MacGill 14
D Headley c McGrath b MacGill 8
D Gough lbw b MacGill 0
P Such not out 0
Extras 21
Total (80.1 overs) 220

Fall: 1-18, 2-56, 3-88, 4-137, 5-139, 6-171, 7-204, 8-213, 9-213

Bowling: McGrath 17-7-35-2, Miller 23-6-45-2, MacGill 20.1-2-57-5, Warne 20-4-67-1

Australia first innings:
M Taylor c Hick b Headley 2
M Slater c Hegg b Headley 18
J Langer c Ramprakash b Tudor 26
M Waugh c Hegg b Headley 121
S Waugh b Such 96
D Lehmann c Hussain b Tudor 32
I Healy c Hegg b Gough 14
S Warne not out 2
S MacGill b Gough 0
C Miller b Gough 0
G McGrath c Hick b Headley 0

Extras 11
Total (all out, 87.3 overs) 322

Fall: 1-4, 2-52, 3-52, 4-242, 5-284, 6-319, 7-321, 8-321, 9-321

Bowling: Gough 17-3-61-3, Headley 19.3-3-62-4, Tudor 12-1-64-2, Such 24-6-77-1, Ramprakash 15-0-56-0