Dawid Malan admitted it was "disappointing and frustrating" as England endured another batting collapse on day three of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
The tourists began Saturday at 17-2 as they desperately tried to chase down Australia’s total of 473-9.
England appeared to be making a decent charge with the partnership of Malan (80) and Joe Root (62) moving them to 150-2.
However, the floodgates opened upon Cameron Green's dismissal of Root, with Malan following soon after, while Ollie Pope went for five and Jos Buttler was out for a duck as the visitors slid to 169-6.
Nathan Lyon (3-58) and Mitchell Starc (4-37) did the damage for Australia, who led by 282 runs at stumps with nine second wickets still standing and are closing in on a 2-0 lead.
"After we lost those two wickets last night, the thoughts were just to get a partnership going, which myself and Rooty got," Malan told BT Sport.
"We got ourselves into a half-decent position. But once again, as soon as the Aussies opened the door, they just jumped straight through it.
"It's disappointing and frustrating that we got ourselves back into the fight and then lost a few too many wickets in clusters.
"I think it’s a bit of a trend; it's something we did on the last tour and the last Test here. We get a bit of momentum and a partnership going and as soon as the Aussies take that one wicket, we lose two or three in clusters.
"When we lose that one wicket, we need to make sure we get another partnership going as quickly as possible.
"Luckily, we got that one wicket tonight and, hopefully, we can have a crazy hour or two somewhere [on Sunday]. We need to take wickets, try to put them under as much pressure as we can, and then bat for a very long period."
Malan also praised Root following their impressive partnership, although it ultimately proved academic in the context of the innings.
"He's one of the best batters that has ever played the game," Malan added.
"Every innings, he seems to find another way to score runs, so that's fantastic for me to watch and learn."