Ian Bell's hundred left Australia having to rewrite the record books if they were to win the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.
Australia, at lunch on today's fourth day, were 28 without loss and needing a further 283 runs to reach their victory target of 311 after Bell's 109 had been the cornerstone of Ashes-holders England's second innings 375.
No side has made more to win in the fourth innings of a Trent Bridge Test than England's 284 for six against New Zealand in 2004.
James Anderson's first ball of Australia's second innings whistled past Shane Watson's outside edge and Chris Rogers, on nought, nicked Stuart Broad just short of England captain Alastair Cook at first slip.
But both batsmen survived, with Watson 18 not out at lunch and Rogers unbeaten on 10.
Bell, 95 not out overnight, went to make 109 and shared a seventh-wicket stand of 138 with Broad (65) after the all-rounder was controversially given not out on yesterday.
Broad enjoyed a massive slice of luck on 37 when experienced Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar ruled in his favour after Australia appealed for a catch by captain Michael Clarke at first slip off teenage debutant spinner Ashton Agar.
Broad stood his ground and, with Australia having used up their two permitted reviews in the innings, the tourists ultimately had to accept the verdict even though television replays showed a thick edge that had first come off the gloves of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Bell, on 34, was given out by Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena after an lbw appeal by medium-pacer Shane Watson before successfully challenging the decision on review.
