James Faulkner has backed up his cheeky jibe at England's tactics in the fifth Test by claiming the Ashes' leading scorer Ian Bell as his first Test wicket.

The 23-year-old caused a stir after Saturday's play was washed out when he accused England of retreating into their shells "any time they get threatened".

He had wicketkeeper Brad Haddin to thank for his breakthrough wicket, with the veteran gloveman stretching out to catch Bell down the leg side for 45. It left Haddin only one more catch from equalling Rod Marsh's world record of 28 in a series.

England successfully avoided the follow on before lunch on day five and changed their tune completely from Friday's slow scoring that frustrated Faulkner and Australia.

They lost three wickets before lunch but in another session shortened by rain Matt Prior (35 not out) and then Graeme Swann (24 not out) clattered the hosts to 7-350, reducing the deficit to 142.

Swann took particular pleasure in thumping off-spinning counterpart Nathan Lyon into the crowd at the Pavilion End just before the break.