James Anderson relished his nightwatchman battle with Mitchell Johnson as England ended day two of the fifth Test in a strong position.

Anderson was sent in when Kevin Pietersen fell towards the close of play and survived everything Johnson could throw at him.

Alastair Cook took his series tally beyond 600 runs with an unbeaten 61 as England closed on 167 for three in reply to Australia's 280 all out.

Anderson, who joined Cook and faced 15 balls towards the close and took one single, told Sky Sports: "It was a tough couple of overs.

"Johnson was running in hard striving to get me out and it was nice to get through that and do my job for the team.

"It is an important role for the team and I enjoy the challenge of it.

"We were talking a lot out there, figuring out when to take runs and when not to.

"Hopefully I can score some runs tomorrow. I am hoping to get into double figures."

Earlier Anderson had finished with bowling figures of four for 66 as Australia, resuming on 134 for four overnight, reached 280 thanks to Johnson (53) and Ben Hilfenhaus (34) who put on 76 for the ninth wicket.

"Johnson played well but it can be quite difficult against tailenders," said Anderson. "We tried to stick to our basics as if bowling to the top six but sometimes they get a bit lucky. Hilfenhaus hit a few through the slips area.

"We have got a really important first couple of hours tomorrow. We really need to dig in and get up to their 280."