The England off-spinner took two wickets as Australia collapsed to 48 for three at lunch on the fourth day of the second Test.
That left Australia, long in desperate trouble in this match, needing a further 535 runs to reach their mammoth victory target of 583 after England had declared their second innings on 349 for seven, with opener Joe Root making 180.
Usman Khawaja was eight not out and Australia captain Michael Clarke, missed on two, 11 not out.
Australia, shot out for just 128 in their first innings, were only able to resist England for fewer than seven overs Sunday before Shane Watson was lbw to James Anderson for 20.
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Unlike the first innings, however, when opening partner Chris Rogers agreed to Watson's wasted review after he was lbw to Tim Bresnan, the all-rounder suffered the latest in his long line of leg before dismissals without challenge.
And 24 for one soon became 36 for three.