England's stifling tactics paid rich dividends at the MCG to earn an almost guaranteed first-innings lead in the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG.

England’s seamers got their act together at last, for the first time since day one of a series already lost, to reduce their hosts to 164-9 in reply to 255 all out.

It was an admirable effort, if belated after the urn was conceded in Perth before Christmas, from an attack led by James Anderson (3-50) and Stuart Broad (3-30) to gain the advantage after Mitchell Johnson (5-63) had been on the rampage again for Australia.

Only Brad Haddin, who once again counter-attacked with aggression for an invaluable 43 not out, and the stodgy Chris Rogers (61) were able to flourish against tight, accurate bowling.

In front of another huge crowd at the MCG of more than 78,000, Kevin Pietersen was out early in the day to a horrible slog for 71.