Mitchell Johnson made the most of the second new ball, taking two late wickets in front of a world record crowd Thursday to leave England on a precarious 226-6 at stumps on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.

Kevin Pietersen had two big reprieves to bring up a half century and anchor a dour England batting performance before Johnson (2-59) struck shortly before the close of play to remove Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. He was unbeaten on 67 at the close of play.

Ryan Harris (2-32) claimed the important wicket of Ian Bell (27) earlier in the evening session to add to his dismissal of Joe Root after lunch.

Pietersen, who has been widely criticized for several cheap dismissals this series, stifled his usual expansive style and was helped by more than a little luck. The big-hitting South African-born batsman had a reprieve shortly before tea, escaping on six when substitute fielder Nathan Coulter-Nile stepped over the boundary rope as he held a catch at deep backward square off Harris´ bowling. The result was six runs for England instead of a wicket for Australia.

Michael Clarke sent England in to bat for the first time after winning every toss this series. It was only the sixth time he opted not to bat first from 20 tosses won since becoming Australia´s Test captain in 2011.

Some tight bowling from Peter Siddle finally paid off with the wicket of England captain Alastair Cook in the 17th over. Cook, whose previous appearance ended with a golden duck in the second innings of the third Test at Perth, made 27 in a confident 48-run opening partnership with Michael Carberry before Siddle tempted him into an edge to Clarke at second slip.

Opener Carberry, who survived a decision review for lbw shortly before lunch, appeared set to bring up just his second half century of the series before losing his leg stump to allrounder Watson for 38.

It was the third time Watson has claimed Carberry´s wicket this series.Watson continued to look dangerous until breaking down mid-way through his seventh over and limping off the field with groin pain. He later returned to the field after tea.

Harris had Bell caught behind for 27 and Johnson quickly got a result from the new ball when he induced nick from Stokes (14) to Watson at first slip and bowled Bairstow, who was recalled at the expense of veteran wicketkeeper Matt Prior with England already out of contention in the series.

England has been in disarray only four months after winning the previous Ashes series in England, with No. 3 batsman Jonathan Trott quitting the tour with stress-related issues after the first Test and Graeme Swann retiring after the defeat in the Perth. (AP)