The tourists racked up a record 644 for a first-innings lead of 364 before James Anderson, Tim Bresnan and Chris Tremlett wreaked havoc among the shell-shocked Australians and reduced them to 213 for seven in their second innings.
Australia, batting in what now looks a forlorn attempt to save themselves from the humiliation of a third innings defeat in the series, had Steve Smith (24) and Peter Siddle (17) at the crease but still trailed by 151 runs going into the final day.
“It was a fantastic feeling being out there today,” wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who made 118 runs and took four catches, told reporters.
“To get them seven down and in a pretty good position to win tomorrow ... it’s pretty hard to beat.
“The guys with the reverse swing showed their skills magnificently, backed up by the fielding. We just tried to keep things simple and it’s worked well for us.”
England had already ensured they would retain the Ashes by taking a 2-1 lead in the series in Melbourne last week and just needed just a draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground to seal the series triumph.
Although fine swing bowling was responsible for most of the Australian wickets, the hosts contributed the first with the farcical run out of Shane Watson for 38.
Watson, who had already run out fellow openers Simon Katich and Phillip Hughes this series, was left stranded at the wrong end when Hughes declined a second run.
Hughes lasted a little longer before falling for 13 after getting an edge to a Bresnan delivery following a period of sustained pressure and Prior continued his good day by taking the catch.
The next two wickets to fall were also caught behind by Prior, Anderson getting his 22nd and 23rd victims of the series by tempting Usman Khawaja into a faint edge for 21 and snaring captain Michael Clarke for 41 with an outswinger.
Bresnan returned to have Mike Hussey caught in the gully by Pietersen for 12 before Tremlett got into his aggressive stride and threatened to finish the match by himself.
The tall seamer tempted Brad Haddin (30) to attempt a hook but instead he found a top edge that Prior claimed for his sixth catch of the match.
Mitchell Johnson, who went for 4-168 in England’s innings, was next in but he lasted just one ball as Tremlett clean bowled him to move to set up a hat-trick delivery that Siddle blocked.
Scenting victory and with the Barmy Army in full voice, England claimed the extra half an hour they are allowed to try and force a result but Smith and Siddle held on to at least send the test into the full five days.
“I’ve always felt I wanted to go at home in front of English fans and that felt like home today,” said Paul Collingwood, who had announced his retirement from Tests at the start of the day. “Hopefully we can finish them off pretty quickly tomorrow.”
England had added 156 runs to their overnight tally before the Australians finally winkled them out just after lunch, but not before they had bettered the previous record of 636-8 declared the 1928-29 tourists achieved at the same ground.
Prior clinched his fourth test century with a confident drive through the covers for a boundary and let out a huge roar before racing over to acknowledge the England fans.
Bresnan (35) put on 102 for the eighth wicket with Prior, who made his 118 off 130 balls with 11 fours and one six before Ben Hilfenhaus had him out caught behind by Haddin.
Graeme Swann (36 not out) and Chris Tremlett took 20 runs off Johnson’s 36th over and the English had a leisurely lunch before finally being dismissed when Hilfenhaus had Tremlett caught behind for 12.
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