It was England's highest total in Australia and eclipsed the previous highest score of 636 at the SCG, set back in 1928-29.

It took Australia's bowlers 177.5 overs and 758 minutes to finally dislodge England, who had three centurions -- Alastair Cook (189), Matt Prior (118) and Ian Bell (115).

Australia have the onerous task of batting out the remaining five sessions to prevent their third defeat of the series, with England, leading 2-1, closing in on winning their first series Down Under in 24 years.