Captain Steve Smith frustrated England with a fighting half-century and pushed Australia to 165 for four at the close of a see-sawing day two, rescuing the hosts after a top order collapse in the series-opening Ashes test in Brisbane on Friday.

With his team in peril at 76 for four, Smith's unbeaten 64 in an 89-run stand with No. 6 Shaun Marsh gave Australia hope of reeling in England's first innings 302 at the Gabba.

Left-hander Marsh, under pressure to perform after winning his eighth recall to the test team, played a fine support role to be 44 not out at stumps.