The first session lasted only 30 minutes after morning showers delayed the start by two hours.
Match officials announced an extra hour would be added at the end of the day to make up for lost time, although the prospects of any further play were gloomy with thunderstorms forecast for the afternoon.
Australia lost the wickets of Justin Langer, Damien Martyn and skipper Steve Waugh before lunch.
The home team started the day at 262 for two but slumped to 275 for five after Langer was lbw for 121, Martyn run out for 42 and Waugh dismissed for a duck when he stepped on his wicket.
