James Anderson believes England have the fighting qualities to extricate themselves from a near-impossible task of saving the first Test against Australia in Brisbane.

England must see out two days with eight wickets in hand after twin centuries from David Warner and Michael Clarke left them with a world-record target of 561.

The reply began badly as Michael Carberry and Jonathan Trott failed to see through the 15 overs England were left with following Australia's declaration at 410 for seven.

And while Anderson admits the tourists have been left in a "tricky" position, he believes they have what it takes to hang on with the threat of rain around Brisbane over the weekend.

"We're in a tricky position and we have to show a lot of fight and character tomorrow which we know we've got," he said.

"We've shown it in the past and if there are some clouds that come over to help us then great."

Anderson denied the pace of the Australian bowlers was a major concern heading into the final days.

After being skittled out for 136 in the first innings, England were 24 for two at the close on day three.

Carberry fended a Ryan Harris ball with bounced back onto his stumps before Australia again exposed Trott's apparent weakness to the short-ball as he meekly flicked Mitchell Johnson to deep square-leg.

"The pace isn't a worry to be honest," Anderson said.

"We've faced must quicker than this in previous series and the batsmen are used to it. We have prepared for it.

"We have a lot of quality in there and fighting spirit."

After two early wickets on the third morning, England were again put on the back foot by Warner (124) and Clarke (113) who combined in a 158-run stand for the third wicket.

The pair especially targeted Graeme Swann, but Anderson believes the bowling unit fought hard given the freedom Australia's lead allowed their batsmen to play with.

"It was a difficult one obviously with yesterday's performance with the bat," he said.

"We were always going to struggle to create pressure with the ball when they're in such a good position. There's not much pressure on their batsmen when they have a 150-run lead to start.

"I thought we fought really hard with the ball, created chances and got wickets at certain times.

"It was disappointing to lose those two wickets at the end."