Australia, forced to follow on for the first time in 17 years, were battling for their Ashes survival after a day laced with high drama and controversy on Saturday.
The world champions closed the third day of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge on 222 for four, needing 37 more runs to avoid an innings defeat.
Michael Clarke, missed off a routine stumping by Geraint Jones shortly before the close, was on 39 not out and Simon Katich on 24.
The series is level at 1-1.
England had wrapped up Australia's first innings for 218 during an enthralling morning, fast bowler Simon Jones completing a five-wicket haul to leave the touring side with a 259-run first-innings deficit.
The Australians rediscovered their composure in reaching 155 for two at the second attempt but moments later captain Ricky Ponting was stomping back to the pavilion in a fury.
Damien Martyn had prodded into the covers and called for a non-existent single. Substitute fielder Gary Pratt, on for Jones, swooped and hit the stumps directly with Ponting a yard short.
Ponting, who had made 48, first approached the umpire, then fired off angry words towards England's fielders before heading off. He also appeared to shout up at the home team's balcony, where coach Duncan Fletcher had been sitting.
Australia have been annoyed by England's regular use of substitute fielders throughout the series, believing the home side's first-choice players often take breaks despite not being genuinely injured. It was later announced that Simon Jones had gone to hospital for treatment on an injured right ankle.