A stunning performance from Australia's Mitchell Johnson has left England on the brink of a second successive defeat after the tourists ended day three 530 runs behind in Adelaide.

Johnson recorded figures of 7-40 as he dismantled England's lower order who slumped to a score of 172, before David Warner hit a blistering 83 to take Australia to 132-3 at the close of play.

England negotiated the first nine overs of the day before Joe Root was dismissed for 15, and Kevin Pietersen quickly followed for just four runs.

Michael Carberry impressed with the bat to make 60, but after he was removed by Shane Watson, England capitulated from 111-4 to 135-9 as Johnson dismantled England with excellent speed and accuracy.

Ian Bell ended the innings unbeaten on 72 after putting on a last-wicket partnership of 37 with Monty Panesar, but England reached the midway point of the match a huge 398 behind their hosts.

Australia captain Michael Clarke opted against forcing England to follow on, and James Anderson struck immediately to reduce the home side to 4-2.

However, Warner took centre stage in the final session, hitting nine fours and a six to make an unbeaten 83, and England will have to bat for the majority of the final two days if they are to avoid falling 2-0 behind in the best-of-five series.