Australia openers Chris Rogers and David Warner gave their side a steady start in the fifth and final Ashes Test, here at the Kennington Oval.
At the time of reporting, the visitors were 16-0 after the completion of 12 overs.
Earlier, England skipper Alastair Cook won the toss and opted to bat first on a seaming track that is supposed to assist the fast bowlers.
The hosts, who have already regained the Ashes, have made no changes in the playing XI that won them the series at Trent Bridge.
Meanwhile, Australia have made a couple of changes in their bid to regain some lost pride in the Ashes finale.
Peter Siddle has been brought in for Josh Hazlewood while Shaun Marsh has been replaced by his brother Mitchell Marsh to strengthen the bowling department.