Travis Head continued his outstanding form against England's bowlers with an unbeaten 91 to leave Australia well placed at the close of day two of the New Year's Ashes Test in Sydney.
England wrestled back control of the opening day of the fifth and final Ashes Test, reaching 211/3, but inclement weather would have the final say in Sydney on Sunday.
Ben Stokes has urged the England hierarchy to back Brendon McCullum has head coach despite the Ashes defeat in Australia.
Matthew Potts is in line for his first appearance in the Ashes after being included in England's 12-man squad for the final Test in Sydney that starts on Sunday.
The International Cricket Council has rated the pitch used for the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as "unsatisfactory", issuing the venue with one demerit point.
England have lost a third fast bowler on the Ashes tour after Gus Atkinson was ruled out of the fifth and final Test in Sydney due to a hamstring injury.