Shane Watson has vowed that Australia will battle until the very end on the final day of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

The hosts face an uphill battle to save the match after being reduced to 238 for four in their second innings - still 137 runs behind England's first innings of 620 for five declared.

With only two recognised batsmen - the out of sorts Marcus North being one of them - plus wicketkeeper Brad Haddin still to bat, Australia will be up against it.

"We're going to fight until the death on Tuesday," Watson told Sky Sports. "It's going to be a very tough day of Test cricket for both sides and we'll fight as long as we have to."

Weather forecasts suggest there will be rain on Tuesday, but when asked if Australia could survive without the heavens opening up, Watson said: "Let's hope so."

Despite Australia's woes with the bat in the second Test, the talented right-hander has impressed with 51 in the first innings and 57 on day four.

"It would be nice to really capitalise on how I'm feeling out there. I've not been able to capitalise on my starts so far so hopefully I can turn that around," he said.

"I feel like I'm in a really good place and my mind is clear but it's just not working at the moment. I feel like I'm batting really well and getting to a point and then not being able to go on with it."

While Watson has looked comfortable with the bat, his captain Ricky Ponting hasn't spent a lot of time out in the middle. He followed up his golden duck on day one with nine in the second innings.

Watson, though, is confident his captain will soon hit form again.

"He's going pretty well," Watson said.

"It's obviously disappointing for him not to score the runs he wants to and knows he can, but he's a tough man and he'll come through."