England's bowlers fought back with four wickets after lunch on day two but Michael Hussey held firm for Australia before bad light and rain stopped play in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba.
After the hosts reached lunch with a comfortable-looking 96 for one on the scoreboard, the touring attack came to life in the afternoon session as James Anderson inspired them to make it 143 for five.
By tea, Hussey (81 not out) and Brad Haddin (22 not out) were together and they combined well in a curtailed final session to see Australia to 220 for five - 40 short of England's total - with the new ball ready to be taken.
Veteran Hussey, whose place had been in grave doubt until he made a last-ditch hundred for Western Australia in the nick of time, was assured throughout.
England took the new ball under murky skies hoping it would inspire a tumble of wickets but with the floodlights not yet at full beam poor visibility, then heavy rain called things to a close well short of the scheduled end.
Play will begin tomorrow half an hour early to make up for lost time.