Australia took control after day one of the fourth Test at Chester-Le-Street with the bowlers coming to the fore Friday.
England, who seemed to struggle for runs right from the off, finished the first day on 238 for nine, with Australia now looking to take the final wicket before going into bat on the second day.
"I think batting first was the correct decision and we got ourselves to about 150 for two," England batsman Jonathan Trott said. "In hindsight it was right but as a group we are pretty disappointed that we've ended the day behind the game.
"Generally in cricket you get yourself out or it is good pressure from the opposition and you play a shot to a ball that you shouldn't have.
"It's not too often you get unplayable deliveries. It's not often you'd say that so generally the fault is on yourself as batsmen and I think we could all probably say that today.
"It was a little bit uncharacteristic for us as a side, because we put a lot of emphasis and value on our wicket. I certainly try and do that as much as I can.
"There are a few disappointed guys. But tomorrow (Saturday) hopefully we can scrape a few more and get some early wickets because I think 250 is an average score around here at Durham.
"But that is the easy route to go and say we are at par when clearly we are not - we didn't have the best of days towards the end."
The pick of the bowlers for Australia was spinner Nathan Lyon, who picked up four England wickets, including the prized scalp of Kevin Pietersen.
"It's a dream come true for an Australian kid growing up to tour England and play in an Ashes series," he said.
"There was no doubt I was quite nervous but I knew what my role was and I had to do my job to help the Australian team out."
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