James Anderson produced a masterful performance to return an Ashes-best 6-47 and blow Australia away for 136 before England replied with 133-3 on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston.
England's spearhead had been accused of looking "disinterested" by Australia selector Mark Waugh after the Lord's Test, but his devastating spell after lunch on Wednesday put the hosts in a position of control.
Earlier in a day punctuated by showers, the recalled Steven Finn - making his first Test appearance for two years - had enjoyed a triumphant return, claiming the key wickets of Steve Smith and Michael Clarke on his way to 2-38.
The only man to offer prolonged resistance against England's attack was Chris Rogers, the opener making a stubborn 52 having been passed fit following his dizzy spells in the second Test.
England lost the under-pressure duo of Adam Lyth (10) and Ian Bell (53) either side of Alastair Cook's freak dismissal for 34 as a vociferous home crowd was briefly quelled.
Joe Root (30 not out) and the returning Jonny Bairstow (1 not out), will look to continue England's charge on Thursday when they resume just three runs behind.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Australia saw David Warner trapped lbw for just two by Anderson.
Then came Finn's time to shine, the fast bowler having Smith held at first slip for seven in his first over before yorking Clarke (10).
Rogers and Adam Voges mounted something of a recovery, taking Australia to 72-3 at lunch, but upon the resumption Anderson took centre stage with four wickets in as many overs.
Voges (16) edged to Jos Buttler in trying to leave the ball, while Mitchell Marsh also nicked through to the wicketkeeper without scoring.
Peter Nevill (2) left a straight one and was bowled, before Ben Stokes held a good low catch at gully to remove Mitchell Johnson (3).
Stuart Broad (2-44) ousted Rogers and then Mitchell Starc (11) before Anderson had the final say, bowling Nathan Lyon for 11.
In reply, Lyth drove needlessly at a wide delivery from Josh Hazlewood (1-50) and had to walk as Voges took a juggling catch at first slip.
Bell and Cook added 57 in just 10 overs before the captain was dismissed in remarkable fashion, pulling a short ball from Lyon (2-3) into Voges' midriff at short leg.
Shortly after reaching a fluent fifty, Bell advanced down the track to Lyon and skied a catch to Warner at midwicket to provide some encouragement to the tourists, but it was undoubtedly England's day.