Australia let slip a golden chance to put England on the ropes in Friday's Champions Trophy semi-final at SuperSport Park.
Australia had England 6-101 with all their specialist batsmen gone in the 21st over, and were well-placed to build on the one-day domination of their old enemy that began during the 6-1 series which concluded the Ashes tour.
But allrounders Luke Wright and Tim Bresnan defied their inexperience to turn the innings with a century partnership as England's lower order launched a great recovery to reach 256 in 47.4 overs.
Australia must now successfully chase 257 under lights -- without the threat of injured England quick Stuart Broad -- to reach Monday's final and keep alive their aim of becoming the first nation to successfully defend the Champions Trophy.
Bresnan made a fine 80 from 76 balls and featured in a stand of 107 from 121 balls with Wright, whose 48 contained two massive sixes off Nathan Hauritz that signalled the start of England's late rush.
Bresnan and Wright, both 24 and with 40 one-day internationals between them, came together with their side six down after Andrew Strauss won the toss and batted.
After a couple of edged boundaries the pair knuckled down and worked singles for 10 overs, and let loose from the 35th over when Wright twice put Hauritz to cow corner.
From a barren stretch of nine overs without a boundary, England then scored at least one for eight-straight overs, as Australia's bowling became more and more wayward.
Graeme Swann (18) took over once Wright fell in the 40th over, but just when England looked set for a total of 280 Australia struck with the last three wickets in three overs.
A strong, flat throw from Hauritz at third man ran out Swann, Brett Lee knocked back Bresnan's middle stump, and a mix-up between the last pair made for a sad end to England's innings.
Australia made a great start to the match through two wickets in the first three overs, which included James Hopes' brilliant low catch at square leg which snared Strauss for 14.
Lee got Owais Shah for a duck next over, but Paul Collingwood led a counter-assault with a quickfire 34, before he and Joe Denly (36) fell.
England's bid to win their first global one-day title seemed doomed when left-handers Steven Davies and Eoin Morgan fell cheaply, until the allrounders gave Strauss' side hope.
Peter Siddle finished with 3-55 for Australia but went for a bit when Bresnan was at his peak.
Lee (2-46) and Shane Watson (2-35) again bowled well throughout, and held their nerve at the death.
But Mitchell Johnson returned to earth with a thud after being named the International Cricket Council's cricketer of the year on Thursday night, with a return of 1-61 from 10 overs.
Australian wicketkeeper Tim Paine enjoyed a productive day, with five catches and a hand in two run-outs.
