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Marnus Labuschagne scored 67 runs — his fourth straight half-century — while Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 60 as rain forced to Stumps on Day 1 with Australia reaching 170 for 3.
In the very little play that was possible after lunch, Labuschagne notched up his 50 and was looking good before Craig Overton (1 for 41) sent him back to pavilion, breaking the 116-run stand between him and Smith for the third wicket.
There was, however, no stopping Smith at the other end though as he marched on to his fifty by hitting Ben Stokes for a four in his unique fashion, groping at a length ball hanging miles outside off stump and knocking himself off his feet while driving the ball through the covers.
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At tea, the Aussies were 170 for 3 but no play was possible after the break as it rained heavily, allowing only 44 overs to be bowled.
Earlier, skipper Tim Paine won the toss and chose to bat first on a chilly morning at Old Trafford with the pitch bereft of much grass.
The Aussies lost David Warner in the first over, the experienced southpaw dismissed by Stuart Broad for the fifth time in this series.
Fellow opener Marcus Harris (13) did not last long too, with Broad trapping him in front during a spell of superb fast bowling where he got his seam position perfectly right.
Australia were reduced to 28 for 2 but Smith and Labuschagne dug in their heels to erect the Australian spine.
The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1.
Brief scores:
Australia 1st innings : 170 for 3 (Marnus Labuschagne 67, Steve Smith 60 batting; Stuart Broad 2/35) at Stumps on Day 1
(With inputs from IANS)
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