After rain, anthems, runs, wickets and not much sledging, the battle for the smallest trophy in cricket is under way.
Have England made the most of their first dig on this Cardiff wicket, or have Australia already done enough damage to hold the upper hand? Tomorrow could have the answers, so join us then.
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And I think that's where we'll leave it, ending the first day of this 2015 Ashes series.
'Hopefully we can score 400-plus'
England batsman Joe Root: "I'm happy to be in the position we are in as team. Hopefully we can kick on in the morning. The longer we can keep them out there, the better it is for us.
"Moeen and Broady are both very capable of scoring big scores - hopefully tomorrow is one of those days where they take it to them and we score 400-plus."
Player's view
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Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood, who took 3-70 from 22 overs, on Sky Sports: "The game is fairly level at this stage. Hopefully we can clean them up in the morning.
"We were good in patches. We kept it tight for periods but we leaked a few runs. When Root was batting he played fantastically and we need to find a plan for him.
"The wicket is quite slow and nullifies the short stuff but we tried to keep it full and swinging. The Duke ball is good fun - if you get it in the right areas there is always something there. If they get 40 or 50 more I think that's about par for them."
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More from Joe Root on the pitch, which has been criticised for a lack of pace: "It's a little bit slow. Seeing the first few not carry was a bit of a worry.
"There's a little bit there - there are a few little indentations which could be helpful when we bowl."
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And remember, you can have your say on Root's knock and all things Ashes-related on the BBC Radio 5 live Ashes Social, from 20:00 this evening.
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Player's view
England batsman Joe Root, who made 134 off 166 balls, on Sky Sports: "I'm really pleased with the way things have gone. I rode my luck at times, especially early on.
"When they attack, that's the best time to attack them because that's where the gaps are. It's not going to work every time I go out, but fortunately it did today. Hopefully it's the first of a few and not just a one-off."
On the reasons for his brilliant form: "A bit of luck, a lot of hard work and trying to keep everything as simple and as basic as possible. Things just clicked. Sometimes you've got to be the one who stands up and gets the runs."
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And that was that. England close on 343-7. A good day? From 43-3, you would think so, but there's a nagging thought that Australia may sell their wickets much dearer on this placid pitch.
"In the few balls I've seen Broad was watching the ball a bit better and trying like hell to get behind it, that's all you can expect. If he can get through that and the concern he has with fear, he'll make some runs because he has got some talent that lad."
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Stokes sparkled for 52 before getting a beauty from the improving Mitchell Starc. England might have claimed complete honours had they suffered no further losses, but Jos Buttler's tame pat to mid-on meant Stuart Broad had to accompany Moeen Ali to the close.
"If there are any quicker pitches in the series - which I hope there will be - Ballance is going to have problems because he wasn't looking at the ball, but he got a fifty for his own confidence which was really good.
"England have done something about not letting the off-spinner, Nathan Lyon, tie them down and I'm not sure they got it totally right. We can't allow him to hold an end all day but there is a difference between stopping him and trying to whack him out the park all the time."
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But the tea break brought a wicket, that of Ballance, lbw to Hazlewood, ending a stand of 153. Though Root completed a century and found some support from Ben Stokes, Australia would continue to chip away in an entertaining evening session full of runs and wickets.
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In the company of his Yorkshire buddy Gary Ballance, Root rebuilt the England innings with some off-side play of the highest order. As he unfurled cuts and drives, Ballance, all at sea early on, battled through. 102 runs were added in the afternoon session.
"Haddin should have got two mitts to that catch off Joe Root, he never looked as if he was going to catch it. Root played marvellously from then on, he took the game away from Australia by being busy, didn't try to slog it, orthodox cricket with nice footwork.
"The Australian bowlers were striving all day for wickets, they bowled a lot of hittable balls with attacking fields even when there was nothing in the pitch and I thought that played into England's hands because there was plenty of room to hit it into the gaps."
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And it could have been even better for Australia. Joe Root, only at the crease for two balls, edges Mitchell Starc behind. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin dives to his right, goes with only one hand and shells the chance. Costly? You betcha.
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It seems a long time ago that Alastair Cook won the toss and opted to bat. Immediately the pitch looked on the slow side, but that didn't stop Australia tearing into England's top order. Adam Lyth caught at gully off Josh Hazlewood, Cook caught behind from the spin of Nathan Lyon, an out-of-sorts Ian Bell pinned leg before by Mitchell Starc. 43-3, 2013-14 all over again.
"Been very interesting day, lots of incidents I thought England gave the initiative away. It's a brilliant pitch to negate the two fast bowlers of Australia, slow nothingness so it's easier to play the quick bowlers, perfectly prepared for England."
What to make of all that? There's still time to tweet, text and email your views. We'll be around for a little while longer and Geoffrey Boycott will be here to sum up the day.
"I hope tomorrow Broad comes out tomorrow and plays shots. If he stands there and tries to play it he's going to be in trouble. When he goes for it he can hit it miles."
Close of play
Eng 343-7
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And that is that. Broad sways away from the final ball, ending the first day of this 2015 Ashes series. England 343-7, a fine recovery from 43-3. However, Australia will be pretty chuffed with taking seven wickets after losing the toss. See-saw, entertaining stuff. Honours even? Maybe don't judge it until Australia have batted.
Eng 343-7
Good from Broad. Could have taken a single and exposed Moeen to the final ball of the day. He turns it down so Moeen is still there tomorrow.
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Kendall: Poor from Buttler. Not quite there in Test cricket yet for me. Needs some bigger and better innings.
Eng 343-7 (Moeen 26, Broad 0)
Hazlewood tests out the middle of the deck, Broad plays it with all the certainty of man groping for his car keys in a dark room. Could have gone anywhere, landed safely on the off side. Three balls to go.
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Jan Dekker: All eerily, wearily similar to the last Ashes game at Cardiff. England under-score on placid track..
Eng 343-7
Another waft from Moeen, a man not playing as if it was the last ball of the day. Australia sprint round and get their wish of six more balls at Stuart Broad. Another wicket here and it really will be Australia's day.
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Andrew Lawton: England have lost some wickets at awful times today.
Eng 343-7
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Johnson to Moeen, who plays an awful waft outside off stump and is lucky to survive. I wonder if there's any thoughts of Johnson giving Moeen a single in order to have a go at Stuart Broad? Still the trumpeter in Cardiff, but no much other noise. There's some glum faces on the England balcony. Will we get another over in?
"If England are going to play an aggressive type of cricket I think we have to get used to there being some soft dismissals."
Eng 343-7
Just a thought. For as well as England have competed, they have lost seven wickets on a pretty sluggish deck. If there's no help for the home attack, how many might Australia rack up on this pitch? 343-7 might not be much cop. Remember, England got 400+ in the last Ashes Test here and needed a last-wicket great escape and some rain.
Eng 343-7 (Hazlewood 21-6-70-3)
Stuart Broad the new man. Mitchell Johnson is licking his lips, but will have to wait for his chance. One, maybe two overs left in the day.
"Caught mid-on against an opening bowler doesn't usually happen but the lack of pace played into his hands. Buttler was through the shot too early. What that does do is expose the vulnerable English tail."
WICKET
Buttler c Johnson b Hazlewood 27 (Eng 343-7)
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Oh, Jos. That really is a poor way to get out. After surviving that lbw shout off Josh Hazlewood, Buttler can only lob the softest of catches to mid-on, where Mitchell Johnson pouches. It's tame, especially with eight minutes to go until the close of play. Cardiff is stunned into silence. Does that mean it's Australia's day?
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Toby Tarrant: Don't want to jinx him but surely there's no better number eight in Test cricket than Big Mo!
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Eng 343-6
YMCA in the crowd as Hazlewood nips one back into Buttler's pads. Big shout, but that's too leggy. No review.
"That pull from Moeen was the kind of shot that drives a stake in the heart of a fast bowler. In front of square for four."
Eng 343-6 (85 overs)
Johnson again, the fast bowler being spoken to by much shorter David Warner. "Hey Mitch, how do I grow a moustache like yours?" Left-armer Johnson round the wicket to left-handed Moeen. Fetch that! Short ball, Moeen swivelling on a pull for the boundary that brings up the 50 partnership. More short stuff, shorter and faster, Moeen deciding that discretion is the better part of valour. Johnson, 19 overs for 87 runs, gives Moeen a volley of verbals. Not the best day for Mitch.
'Will Root become an England great?'
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That's just one of the topics which will be debated on the Ashes social on BBC Radio 5 live tonight at 20:00 BST.
Mark Chapman and a special panel of experts will discuss the main talking points of an entertaining opening day in the Ashes...
Will Joe Root become one of England's greatest ever batsmen?
How long do England give Ian Bell?
Can Mitchell Johnson perform in English conditions?
Want to get involved? Call 0500 909 693, tweet using #bbccricket or text 85058.
Eng 339-6 (Buttler 26, Moeen 22)
The old cliche of the new ball bringing a trickle of runs can be applied here, Buttler driving Hazlewood for a couple then flat-footedly poking an edge wide of the slips for four. Already this stand is worth 45 in only 7.5 overs. Shadows lengthening in Cardiff, we're deep into over-time. Can England make it through without further damage? Mitchell Starc is back out there, asking umpire Marais Erasmus for the time. Is that 'how long before I can bowl?' or 'how much longer do I have to field for?'
"It's been a good day of Test cricket. If England can get through this last 20 minutes for no further loss they'd be very happy with the day. One more wicket brings Stuart Broad to the crease and he might have a few memories from Australia where he seemed to be jumping around the crease. We'll see where he's at with his batting."
Eng 329-6 (Johnson 18-1-82-0)
Johnson sees the ball swing into Buttler, so posts a leg slip. Buttler sees the ball into his pads, so bullets the new conker through mid-wicket for a couple. When Johnson again errs, Buttler does the same again, much to the delight of a Cardiff crowd that has finally swung into full voice after a very sedate morning. I'm told that the close will be 18:45 or in seven overs' time, whichever comes first.
"England have scored quickly, to go at just under four an over is pretty handy. The way Root and Stokes batted increased the scoring rate and that's what we want to see, good positive Test cricket."
Eng 324-6 (Moeen 20, Buttler 14)
You know what, this has a very similar feeling to the first day of the 2009 Cardiff Test, when England reached 336-7. They were all out for 435, before Australia racked up nearly 700. We all know how it ended.
Lovely evening in Wales, plenty of sunshine and a few eyeing a trip to one of the city's watering holes this evening, I fancy. Hazlewood with the new nut, swinging it back in to the pads of Moeen, who pounces on some width with a wonderful cover drive for four.
"There have been a couple of balls that have been a little up and down, which is not a good sign on day one for the team batting last."
Eng 320-6 (Buttler 14, Moeen 14)
Three slips, a gully and a short leg as Johnson steams in to Moeen. I say steams in, but this sluggish pitch looks likely to nullify his sizzling pace. Johnson is up above 85mph, but the hard, new ball is bouncing twice on the way through to Brad Haddin. When Johnson drop short, Moeen has all the time to hook for a single. That wouldn't have been case on a trampoline at the Waca.
"It's been a tough day for Mitchell Johnson, who promised so much after the way he bowled against England in Australia last time, but I think he's bowled quite well on a wicket that doesn't suit his style of bowling. I've seen enough to show that if you get on a quicker wicket he is going to be a handful."
New ball
Eng 319-6
New ball has been taken, in the hands of Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell Starc is also back on the field. Or is he? He's going off again. Make your mind up, Mitchell.
Not out
Eng 316-6
Yep, miles too high, but Moeen won't have liked that. We've had 80 overs, so the new ball is now due. As I said, Australia also get their reviews topped up to two. Daft rule.
Umpire review
Eng 316-6
Poor leave from Moeen, but looks too high from Josh Hazlewood. Australia might as well review, they get two more in one ball's time...
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
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"There's a boozy buzz in the Cardiff air. The Aussie fans, so quiet for so long as Root and Ballance dominated, have found their voice, while England's supporters are cheering every run in this fledgling stand between Moeen and Buttler. Can they see off the new ball and ensure England end the day with their noses in front?"
Eng 316-6 (Buttler 11, Moeen 15)
The crowd are cheering Johnson to the crease. You know the type, the sort a goalkeeper gets when taking a goal-kick. There's plenty of lubricated fans singing that song song too. The one with the naughty word at the end. Nothing near Buttler's stumps, then a bouncer that the England keeper would need a ladder to reach. That's more fuel for the baying fans, who are cockahoop when Buttler edges for four.
"It's been good cricket, runs scored, wickets falling. Joe Root has definitely impressed. There has been a lot of people talking him up but he went out there and performed."
Eng 312-6
With Starc off the pitch, Mitchell Johnson is on. There are 12 overs left in the day, but they have to be bowled by 18:40, I believe. We might lose a couple.
"Most of this middle order play freely and there is a definite intent to make sure Lyon doesn't tie them down. Moeen is a natural player and they are better doing it their natural way. They'll be conscious the new ball is due and it will be more difficult."
Eng 312-6 (Buttler 7, Moeen 15)
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At the end of that over, Starc went straight to the dressing room. Touch of cramp? Maybe a dodgy hammy? Never mind that, England are continuing the charge, Moeen Ali belting Nathan Lyon over mid-wicket for six. It's been see-saw, even, entertaining stuff. Bodes well for the other 24 days of this series.
Eng 304-6 (Starc 19-4-84-3)
This game is bang in the balance, England under the pump with the new ball looming. The hosts can take solace from the fact they have a very good batsman at number eight, with Moeen Ali taking guard. Replays of that Stokes dismissal make Starc's delivery look even better, with the send-off doing more than any words could. Moeen is surrounded, maybe with the short ball in mind, but he's away with a couple of twos and a three. 300 up for England.
"That's a pretty good ball with a ball 76 overs old. It moved a long way, even first up this morning you would say that was a good conker, to do it with a 76 over old ball is impressive."
WICKET
Stokes b Starc 52 (Eng 293-6)
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Bowled him! Mitchell Starc gets Ben Stokes with an absolute rozzer. Pitched up, swinging away, squaring Stokes up and taking the off stump. Starc has not bowled well today, but has improved in the evening and is now doing his bit to put Australia on top. He even gives Stokes a finger-on-lips send-off. Is this day edging back towards Australia?
"Ben Stokes has played very well, he's got a good eye, good attitude, like a Richie Benaud or an Alan Davidson, he takes the game to the opposition."
50 for Ben Stokes
Eng 293-5
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You just wonder how big an impact Ben Stokes might have on this Ashes series. There's a big tradition of England all-rounders making their mark on home Ashes series. Stokes cuts Nathan Lyon to move to a 75-ball half-century, his third in Test cricket. Coming in at a relatively sticky time, Stokes has been true to his attacking instincts.
Dictionary corner
Text 81111
Barry Webster asked via Twitter for someone to invent a word that describes what it feels like to drop someone and then watch them make a big score...
Olly: "Melan-dolly".
BeauB: How about 'Fumblemare' for a dropped catch that leads to a big score?
Neil Hunsworth: A drop preceding a century? Gotta be a Fluff Daddy.
Eng 287-5
This is good from Starc, a series of full away-swingers followed by an in-swinger that dips back in to Stokes' pads. The Aussies think about an appeal, but I suspect there's an inside edge. A good passage from Australia.
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Michael Allen: Just clearing out the portable barbecue ready for the weekend and dropped it on the lawn. Know how Haddin must feel. Just dropped the ashes.
Close!
Eng 285-5
Ooofff, half a chance from Ben Stokes, a thick edge off the bowling of Mitchell Starc, flying over Steve Smith at third slip and away for four. That's bounced much more than most have today. A slice of luck for Stokes.
"Australia's bowling has not been good, there has not been enough discipline and patience on a pitch where it is not easy to get wickets. They have to get it really spot on with the new ball, they don't have a lot of margin for error."
Eng 281-5 (Stokes 43, Buttler 0)
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Still Australia ring the changes in a sun-soaked Cardiff, Nathan Lyon on to tweak his offies at the left-handed Ben Stokes. Round the wicket to the sound of the trumpet, the spindly Lyon takes some advice from gloveman Haddin. What's the keeper said? If it was "Nathan, bowl a wide half-tracker that Stokes can cut for a single", then the plan worked a treat.
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Tom Audsley: What an innings by Joe Root there. Best batsmen in the England side by a mile at the moment.
Eng 280-5 (Starc 17-4-67-2)
Looking again, that delivery was quite wide, with Root reaching for it. He probably didn't need to play, but a man with 134 to his name is perhaps entitled to have a dart. Jos Buttler is the new man with the game back in the balance. Can England get through the new ball and to the close with minimal losses?
"It was a bit wide but you can't complain when somebody bats as well as that all day. He got a big slice of luck - it was a terrible drop by Haddin - but he took his chance he gave the innings momentum, he's been busy, not hitting fours and sixes but busy scoring, increasing the pressure on the bowlers.
"He's got England to a wonderful position. I know it's an easy pitch but all you can do is take the position as it is and play well on it and he's played superbly."
"Just what Australia wanted with that new ball only eight overs away."
WICKET
Root c Watson b Starc 134 (Eng 280-5)
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Where did that come from? Out of nothing, Australia have the wicket that so desperately craved, that of century-maker Joe Root. Root has driven so well today, but a drive too many ends with an edge to the hands of Shane Watson at slip. Mitchell Starc is the bowler, but there's not much of a celebration. Still, Australia have a crucial breakthrough before the second new ball.
Unhappy Aussie
You fly your son from Australia to England, give him a week off school and buy him a replica shirt and he's still not happy...
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Eng 280-4 (partnership 84)
Still David Warner and his, erm, medium-pace. Not much of a moustache on Warner's face. You know that episode of Blackadder when Baldrick balances a slug on his top lip? It's like that. England are milking this, they are well and truly on top. 43-3 seems a lifetime ago. At the minute, the next big challenge is the new ball.
"Australia have bowled poorly today. Apart from the odd six or seven over periods, but Root has put them under that much pressure, he has been hitting good balls for runs."
Eng 274-4 (Root 133, Stokes 37)
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Joe Root had a touch of treatment on his back during the break. It seemed to consist of a burly man sitting on him and trying to snap him in two. Ten overs until the new ball, Watson trundling in, puffing out his cheeks as he starts the endless trudge back to his mark. Hint of swing, no pace or bounce, Stokes adding three through mid-wicket.
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A Question of Sport Teaser
Earlier, we asked who are the five cricketers whose first name is Adam to play Test cricket for England or Australia?
Did you get them all? They were Adam Dale, Adam Hollioake, Adam Lyth, Adam Voges and Adam Gilchrist.
I know what you're thinking... who's Adam Dale? Well, he played two Test matches in the late nineties and took six wickets at 31.
Punter on part-timers
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Ricky Ponting, speaking on Sky Sports, says he hated facing part-time bowlers like David Warner - adding that it made him more nervous than facing the best bowlers in the team. He adds that he was never more nervous than facing his childhood hero David Boon in a game between Australia and Australia A.
Drinks break
Eng 271-4
As usual, Warner is greeted by the theme from Rocky. I suspect England fans will never forget the incident with Joe Root in a Birmingham bar. To be fair to Warner, he's bowling straighter than most of his colleagues, well enough to make a batsman nervous about getting out to him. Time for drinks.
What's going on here? A surprise from Michael Clarke, chucking the ball to David Warner. Warner has previously bowled some leg-breaks, but here he's going to bowl some medium-pace.
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Bobbie Hough: Can we just start every innings at 40-3 and get to the bit where Root rides to the rescue? It'd save the emotional turmoil.
Ben Stone: Beauty of Ashes - each day feels like could go either way. On brink of being a good one for either side depending on next hr.
Avram Liebenau: Watching #TheAshes with my American cousin who's never seen cricket before, he already prefers it to baseball.
Eng 267-4 (partnership 71)
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Australia now resorting to dirty tactics, pinning Ben Stokes on the knee with a throw as the England all-rounder completes a single. He hits the deck, but seems OK. Just one slip now for Stokes, with a man almost standing on the track at short mid-off. More leggy stuff from Watson, causing Haddin to dive to take the ball. I wonder if the keeper will be giving his bowlers a rocket later on? "If you can't bowl straight, I'm going to stick this ball..."
"Wonderful day for England, in particular Joe Root. He keeps playing these innings where I think that's the best hundred I've seen - he keeps going up a level. His maneuvering of the ball into the gaps, even his defensive shots look as through they will go for runs. He's got the cut shot, the pull shot, he's got everything covered at this stage."
Eng 265-4 (Root 129, Stokes 33)
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Lovely evening in Cardiff now, far removed from the wet morning. Starc strives for the crease as Billy the Barmy Army trumpeter gives us a verse of Waltzing Matilda. Oh, that's village from Starc, down the leg side, giving old man Brad Haddin little chance to prevent four byes. The Aussie seamers haven't been kind to their keeper today. Then again, Haddin did drop Root off Starc.
Scorecard update
England 257-4 (67 overs)
Batsmen: Root 126* (156), Stokes 32* (41)
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1), 196-4 (Ballance 61)
Australia have 14 overs to wait until the new ball is available, an hour's cricket that could be a very long time if Root and Stokes remain together. Shane Watson, usually the model of accuracy, goes too wide and is slashed through point by Stokes for four. Watson stares and has his revenge by one that seams back to get Stokes in the bread basket. England won't mind signs of life in this deck - they will have to take 20 wickets to win this match.
How's Stat?!
Eng 253-4 (66 overs)
More Aussie changes, Mitchell Starc trying his luck from the River Taff End. Despite England's serene progress, Cardiff remains fairly respectful, engrossed in the cricket, rather than having a party in the crowd. There's all summer left to celebrate, no point going too soon. Good from Starc, a toe-seeking yorker forcing Root to jam down.
Yorkshire beat Warwickshire
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It's all coming up (white) roses for Yorkshire at the moment. Not only have Root and Ballance pulled England back from the brink of disaster but in their absence their county side have notched up another impressive victory to stay top of the County Championship. They have just bowled Warwickshire out for 259 in their second innings to win at by 174 runs at Edgbaston.
Former England seamer Ryan Sidebottom took 11 wickets in the match for Yorkshire, who now have a 24-point lead in Division One, having played a game less than second-placed Middlesex.
Eng 251-4 (Root 124, Stokes 28)
Indeed Shane Watson is summoned to trundle his medium-pacers, looking fairly hacked off at the prospect. Then again, I'm not sure I'd be keen to send the leather down at 80mph if my body was held together by piano wire. Watson, harder to mover than a wardrobe, drops short to Root, who cuts for three.
"Stokes is going to be one of these players who will benefit from the Trevor Bayliss 'freedom from oppression.'"
Eng 248-4 (Root 121, Stokes 28)
Apologies for the odd typo that appears in the scores. I know it causes heart attacks across the nation. Only human and all that. One tweeter, a Dan McCarthy, has just got in touch to point out a mistake, but didn't spell my name correctly. The irony. Stokes down the track to Lyon, four in the air that almost had mid-on interested. When Stokes cuts for another four, it brings up the 50 partnership in only 10.2 overs.
"What a day, at 40-3 Australia would have been cock-a-hoop. Three or fours later England are in control. The Aussies will be getting tired but the game is still in the balance, there is certainly no room for resting on their laurels for England."
Eng 240-4 (27 overs remain)
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Are honours still about even? Another wicket or two and Australia on top? Anything north of 300 for four or five mean it will be England's day? At slip, Shane Watson goes through the most torturous warm-up routine. He should be ready to go at about lunchtime tomorrow. Watson would be in the Immobile XI, along with Inzamam and Arjuna Ranatunga. Root driving again, giving the man on the cover boundary some work.
"Poetry in motion from Stokes, lovely sashay down the wicket, and the Aussies have been saved from a wet ball by the TV gantry - it hit that. In a county game it would have been swimming in the River Taff."
Eng 236-4 (Root 117, Stokes 20)
The trumpeter plays a solo as the retired Ryan Harris sits on the Aussie balcony making his way through an ice cream. Come to think of it, every picture I've seen of Harris since he retired has been of him eating. Enjoy it, Rhino. Stokes down the track to Lyon, chipping over short cover. Here he comes again. It's huge, massive! Straight as you like, another maximum. Lyon is lucky he's not fetching that from the River Taff.
A bit of Fry and Laurie
Eng 229-4 (Root 116, Stokes 14)
The sun plays a little hide and seek as Root purposely guides Starc between second slip and gully to the vacant third man area for four. The wind blows Starc's shirt as one voice from crowd aims some abuse at Michael Clarke. Unprintable stuff. Australia are forced to drop point deeper for Root, with Starc then spraying the ball down the leg side when Stokes comes on strike. Haddin looks indignant, Clarke puts his head in his hands. Disquiet in the camp? Australia not quite as good as we thought they might be?
"Lyon has bowled nicely, he would have been nervous after Chelmsford (1-200) the last thing you want is games where you are expecting to do well and getting tonked."
Eng 224-4 (Lyon (12-4-24-1)
The shaven-headed Nathan Lyon spins himself a catch then sets off on his hop, skip and jump run-up. Round the wicket to Stokes, who almost has short leg interested with an inside edge. Just noting what Sam Sheringham tells us below, now is about the time of day when those have been on the sauce get vocal. Not too rowdy, yet. Plenty of chat going Stokes's way from the Aussies, mind.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
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It has taken two and a bit sessions, but the Barmy Army have finally felt brave enough to dust off the Mitchell Johnson song. You know the one, "He bowls to the left, he bowls the right, That Mitchell Johnson, his bowling is...."
Eng 224-4 (Root 111, Stokes 14)
Australia continue to ring the changes, one left-armed Mitchell replacing another. Here comes Starc, over the wicket in the evening sun. Overpitched, Root playing yet another cover drive for four. When the Australia fielders go to sleep tonight, they will have nightmares about endlessly chasing Joe Root drives to the off-side boundary.
"Joe Root has scored seven Test centuries before the age of 25. Among England players, only Alastair Cook managed more - nine."
Eng 219-4 (57 overs)
Indeed it is Lyon, twirling his off-breaks as a lady in the crowd gets stuck into some knitting. I wonder what makes someone think that knitting is an essential part of the gear for a Test match. "Ticket, check. Sandwiches, check. Keys, got them. Ooofff, almost forgot my knitting. I'd have looked silly without that." Decent maiden from Lyon.
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K_Mehmi88: There isn't a better batsman than Joe Root in the world at present in any form of cricket.
Kieran Milward: More, just wonderful batting from Joe Root. Present and future.
Rich: Joe Root is absolutely everything that any aspiring sportsman should aim to be.
Eng 219-4
Joe Root has called for the physio, taking a couple of pills. It gives Australia time to prepare for the spin of Nathan Lyon.
"There has been so much talk about sledging but then we get a benign wicket and I don't think there has been anything said by either team."
Eng 219-4 (Root 107, Stokes 13)
With Stokes at the crease, one would think we are about to find out about the spirit this series may be played in. If anyone is likely to wind up the Aussies, it will be the flame-haired all-rounder from Durham. Also, any battle between Johnson and Stokes all centres around who has the better arm tattoos. There's some ink between these boys. A slash from Stokes, the ball whistles to the point boundary. A perplexed Johnson strokes his mo.
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Neel: "What an innings by Joe Root!!!! Got England back in game!
Stuart Mitchell: Roooooooooooooooooot!! GET IN! Haddin must really be Rungretting that drop now.
Seba Rua: Way to go, Joe! That Root fella, is he some sort of deity? How many times has he saved England's bacon?
Eng 215-4
Seatbelts. A Johnson bouncer, a top-edged hook from Stokes, six over the keeper's head. I suspect it's about to get tasty.
"Root has had a little bit of luck, but he's definitely made Australia pay. He hasn't mucked around - he's got on with it. The Australian bowling has helped him but it has been quality batting."
Eng 209-4
That 118-ball ton is also England's sixth fastest in Ashes cricket. He's not looking like finishing yet, driving Hazlewood through mid-on for four. Looking at his wagon wheel, you can see he's scored about 70% of his runs on the off side - cuts and drives. Remember, he was dropped on nought. A penny for Brad Haddin's thoughts.
"Joe Root's century took 118 balls. That's the fastest century in the first Test of an Ashes series."
100 for Joe Root
Eng 203-4
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Whatever you're doing, stop. Stand and applaud Joe Root's century. This has been a wonderful hundred, his second in Ashes cricket and made in the most difficult circumstances. Remember, he arrived with the score at 43-3. He goes to a seventh Test ton with a wonderful cover drive, the sort he has played all day long. He punches the air, the crowd chant "Roooooot", then sing 'Hey Jude' with his name substituted in.
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Terry, County Durham: Is that the most subtle commentator's curse EVER? Agnew says 'the balance changes' and next post Ballance changes ... From in to out.
Dec: The Aussies have un-ballanced us now. Shocking pun, I'll leave.
Eng 199-4 (Root 97, Stokes 3)
Stokes faces up to Johnson - you may remember these two had a few exchanges during the last series down under, when Stokes announced himself to the world. Johnson in the Welsh sunshine, three slips and a gully, Stokes' feet not moving freely yet. Just thinking about this pair having previous - is there anyone Stokes doesn't have previous with? Johnson, Marlon Samuels, a locker...
"Gary Ballance was out there for 149 balls, hit eight fours and batted for 227 minutes."
Eng 199-4 (Hazlewood 16-5-47-2)
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Gary Ballance will be wondering how he missed that. Hazlewood was coming round the wicket. If anything it swung a touch, but it was pretty much straight. Ballance played slightly across it and replays show it would have clattered middle and leg. Ben Stokes, so explosive, is the new man. You sense this is a crucial time. This pair could take the game from Australia, but another wicket or two would have the Aussies bang on top. Joe Root, remember, is still on 97.
"It just angled in with a little bit of swing from round the wicket. I honestly thought they were going to refer that but it was thudding in to middle and leg so it was a good decision not to. He was behind the crease, he didn't look to get forward, but 61 with the form he has been in he'd have been pleased with. So your prediction of 250 is back on!"
WICKET
Ballance lbw Hazlewood 61 (Eng 196-4)
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Australia have the breakthrough! Josh Hazlewood has done the trick and Gary Ballance is the man to go, the end of the huge stand with Joe Root. Facing his third ball after the break, Ballance is pinned in front by a very full ball from Hazlewood, who has been Australia's best seamer. Ballance thinks about reviewing, but then trudges off. It was straight, almost yorker length, hitting Ballance on the back leg. Stone dead.
"It's interesting how the game changes, the balance changes. Michael Vaughan said this morning a competitive score would be 250 - and that seemed a long way away."
Eng 194-3 (Ballance 59, Root 97)
He still looks like same Mitchell Johnson - dark hair, moustache, prowling run-up. The pace is there too - there or thereabouts of 90mph. The radar has been awry, though. And, apart from pinning Gary Ballance on the arm, the menace has been, well, less menacing. Both he and Mitchell Starc have conceded more than four runs an over. Two slips and gully, loose drive from Joe Root gets only fresh air. Another uppish drive this time gets willow and four through point. Root to 97...
Dictionary corner
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Barry Webster asked via Twitter for someone to invent a word that describes what it feels like to drop someone and then watch them make a big score...
Brian Rea: How about a 'Downton'?
Sam Charman: I'd suggest 'Drotted' a portmanteau of 'Dropped' and 'Gutted'. Context "I felt drotted when he made a century".
Ian Smith: Dropression.
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By the way, there are 38 overs remaining in the day, so one would suspect we'll be playing until 18:30 BST. The first of those will be bowled by Mitchell Johnson, who's been well below his devastating, 2013-14 best.
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Did I say it was grey in Cardiff? Pah! It's cracking the flags. Blue sky, the odd fluffy cloud. New coach Trevor Bayliss sits on the England balcony, unmatching white hat and blue tracksuit as if they haven't quite nailed his kit yet. The players are back out, with Joe Root hunting a hundred.
Dictionary corner
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Just a few minutes ago, Barry Webster asked via Twitter for someone to invent a word that describes what it feels like to drop someone and then watch them make a big score...
Stephen: Drop and then go onto score big? Droplosion.
Ewan Grunwald: Distr-caught.
Steven F. Galloway: Rungret? - as in, boy, Haddin must really rungret dropping Root.
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Thanks, Marc. At 43-3, it was looking like the start of a long old summer for England. Now, a slightly grey Wednesday in Cardiff is looking their best day of Ashes cricket since, well, when?
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England in some form of control, then. Don't let this slip, Stephan Shemilt...
'That's not true - he's the messy one'
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
PACopyright: PA
"Wondering what Root and Balance are talking about between overs? Could be their time as housemates when they were coming through the ranks at Yorkshire.
"I sat down with them last year for a chinwag and heard tales of oversleeping, practical jokes and dirty dishes. Apparently Root cooks a mean spicy prawn dish, while Ballance is a dab hand at steak, egg and chips. Gents, if you keep batting like this, the restaurateurs of Cardiff will be queuing up to cook you up a treat."
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Barry Webster: Someone should invent a word that fittingly describes what it feels like to drop someone and then watch them make a big score.
I like it, Barry. There's your challenge this afternoon everyone...
"Really good session for England, the Yorkie pair of Ballance and Root are together for England doing a wonderful job. Root had that slice of luck and has made the most of it, he has looked in impeccable form.
"It's the way he's finding the gaps and putting the ball to the boundary. He has been a nice foil to Gary Ballance, who can just bat, try to occupy the crease and wear the opposition down."
Tea scorecard
England 190-3
Batsmen: Ballance 59* (147), Root 93* (110)
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1)
"There was a period before lunch when I felt Michael Clarke over attacked too much. There were too many runs coming quickly when England had been in trouble. If he'd just kept it a bit tighter then I thought it would have been smarter because if the bowlers didn't get it right there was room to pick them off."
Eng 190-3
Joe Root and Gary Ballance - England's engine room - march off smiling after plundering 102 runs in 29 overs during that afternoon session. England are well chuffed with this, as they might say in Yorkshire.
"England have done remarkably well to score at 3.7 on this kind of surface. The Australians have bowled quite a few short balls which is exactly what you're looking for."
Tea - Eng 190-3
Josh Hazlewood is everything which England want Steven Finn to become. He's always in the game and as Ricky Ponting remarks on television, is trying to drag Joe Root forward. That's easier said than done against a back-foot player though. A single for young Joe and that, ladies and gentlemen, is tea.
How's stat?!
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Eng 189-3 (Root 92, Ballance 59)
The Aussies look a little flat out there. Mitchell Johnson's Test bowling average in England is now above 40 (23 wickets in eight matches, which includes two games against Pakistan in 2010).
David Warner stands with his shoulders slumped at point and Gary Ballance is growing in stature at the crease, working two to long leg.
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Owen Riley: Another supreme drive from Joe Root. (Retweet every two overs or so to save ink.)
Nick Rink: Yorks appear to be doing quite well against Australia this afternoon, which is tough to say as a Lancastrian.
Arron Sankey: 'Root and Ballance' sounds like a terrible dance music duo.
"That dropped catch by Brad Haddin could be a key moment in the series. If Joe Root had walked back in that dressing room having scored nought all the bad memories could have come back but now he can score a hundred."
Eng 187-3 (Root 92, Ballance 57)
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This is lovely and sedate from England's point of view. Nothing silly, they are in control of the game and laying a platform for the strokemakers to come. If Mitchell Johnson has caused Gary Ballance the most problems, it's fair to say Joe Root has not relished dealing with some of Josh Hazlewood's nippy seamers. He plays out a maiden.
"You think about some of the deliveries Johnson bowled against England in Australia - this is not in the same bracket. It dies in the pitch whereas at the Gabba it seemed to increase in pace."
Eng 187-3 (run-rate 3.82)
Coming round the wicket, Mitchell Johnson continues to play some chin music for the left-handed Gary Ballance. Dropping to 87mph in pace, however, he is soon whipped through the leg side for four by an increasingly confident GB.
Michael Clarke and Shane Watson chat to each other in the slips. "Got any names for the baby yet, Mike?"
"The Aussies are a quality team because even if there is a big partnership their attack is good enough to then take three or four quickly, so this partnership has to be a really good one. A 200 or 250 stand can win you the game."
Eng 183-3
Here comes Mitchell Johnson. Again.
Eng 183-3 (Root 92, 12 fours)
Australia give Josh Hazlewood a pre-tea burst with the ball and he is able to hit a 50 pence piece straight away. Metronomical. Five dots but then he drops short and is clattered to the square fence through the off side by Joe Root. He's into the nineties now.
Cardiff crowd savours Ashes action
Are you there, Bruce?
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Is your Australian friend at the Test today? Chances are they are in this picture.
Eng 179-3 (partnership 136)
Gary Ballance raises his bat after reaching his fifty, then carries on where he left off. A few good leaves off Mitchell Starc, who is capable of match-winning bursts. Unfortunately for Australia, he's not having that effect at the moment.
"The only real trouble Ballance was in was when Mitchell Johnson went round the wicket and got two or three that hit him and ballooned just wide of short leg."
50 for Ballance off 127 balls
Eng 179-3
PACopyright: PA
Mitchell Starc to Gary Ballance, and the left-hander plays a characteristic square drive to the boundary to bring up his sixth half-century in 14 Tests. Pressure? What pressure?
Eng 174-3 (46 overs - 44 remain)
Gary Ballance picks off Shane Watson for two through mid-wicket but resists the temptation to go hard for the single which would bring up his half-century.
"The combination of Ballance and Root has been a really good one. Ballance has just gone about his business, not tried to do anything out of his comfort zone, and at the other end Root is scoring at nearly a run a ball, which has taken the pressure off Ballance."
Eng 172-3 (Starc 10-1-42-1)
Joe Root is playing some beautiful cover drives today, as he guides Mitchell Starc through the off side and to the boundary. Textbook stuff. An exaggerated leave from the right-hander later in the over rubs salt into the bowler's sores.
"It's not a happy hunting ground for Australia here. They have played five one-day internationals - won one and lost four - and two first-class games, both of which were drawn."
Eng 166-3
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Mitchell Starc back into the attack. First ball... four byes.
The crowd sing "Are you Johnson in disguise?". Witty.
Eng 162-3 (Ballance 47, Root 81)
Joe Root heeds the warning of his close shave and uses his feet, Patrick Swayze-like, to shimmy down the wicket and punt a single down the ground.
"It would be wonderful if it was like at Lord's two years ago when Brad Haddin dropped Joe Root and he went on to make 180. Then at the end of the day he can say 'thank you Brad, it was very kind of you to do it again'."
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Tom Fordyce
Chief sports writer at Cardiff
"Blue skies gradually winning the battle with the Cardiff clouds, and as the temperatures climb, the more the traditional aromas of an Ashes Test - lager, suncream, salted crisps/peanuts and fresh sweat - fill the Welsh air."
Eng 157-3
Nathan Lyon continues to give the ball a rip and is finding decent bounce. From one such delivery the ball flies to Steve Smith at short leg who grasses it. The Aussies have it down as a dropped catch. On closer inspection, I don't think it was. Replays don't appear to show a nick.
Eng 157-3 (Ballance 44, Root 79)
A trigger movement from Gary Ballance as he moves across to Shane Watson then ducks under a bouncer. A loopy inducker almost fools Gary Ballance, who then chases a wide one. It's all very steady out there at the moment.
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OptaJim: 16 - Since Joe Root's debut in Dec 2012 England have recorded 37 Test century partnerships; he has been involved in 16 of them. Fulcrum.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
BBCCopyright: BBC
"People wonder why it takes so long for the ground to fill up after an interval. Part of the reason is this - bottlenecks in the gangways and the need to wait until the end of an over to file back in. That and the temptation of 40 winks in the sunshine by the River Taff of course..."
Eng 154-3 (run-rate: 3.67)
Australia have their holding bowlers on here. They are biding their time, hoping to pounce on any little mistake these two Yorkies make. Joe Root is given a fright when he comes down the pitch to Nathan Lyon and Brad Haddin almost runs him out with help from Adam Voges at short leg.
"Joe has to be careful here he's scoring so quickly, he's comfortable, but Watson is one of those bowlers that suck you in, teasing you. They break partnerships and get people to do silly things"
Eng 152-3 (Root 77 off 82)
Shane Watson spoils an over which is on the money by spearing four byes down the leg side. He then pitches up and is creamed through the covers for four more by Joe Root. Go fetch.
Watson, incidentally, gets out good batsmen. Of his 75 Test wickets, 61 one of them are top-order players.
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Mike in Buenos Aires: Sneakily checking live text during independence assembly in Argentine school I am working in. Treading carefully but cricket session booked in on Fridays and budding Messis around me would love a Root ton.
Eng 144-3 (Lyon 8-2-17-1)
A towel hanging out of the back of his trousers, Nathan Lyon continues to exert control for Australia with steady off-spin. Gary Ballance plays back four dots following a Joe Root single.
How's stat?!
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Eng 143-3 (Root 72 off 74)
Shane Watson nibbles the ball this way and that, but Gary Ballance isn't biting. Just three from the over.
"The century partnership from 144 balls. It's the sixth time Ballance and Root have batted together in Test cricket and their third century partnership."
Eng 143-3 (run-rate: 3.70)
Australia crank up Shane Watson for a bowl. Looking every day of his injury-hit 34 years as he ambles to the delivery crease, he drops short and Joe Root helps himself to three in the off side. That's the 100 partnership.
"It's not conducive to anything it's a nothingness pitch in cricket terms, nobody is queuing up to bowl on it. You can't bounce them out because it comes off slow, it rarely turns and if it does it is so slow you can watch it. It's bottom of the Test grounds we have, it doesn't give anything for anybody."
Eng 140-3 (partnership 97)
Strong Yorkshire, strong England. We've heard a lot about that recently, but these two batsman from the white rose county are holding England together here. While Joe Root is busy and pugnacious, Gary Ballance is more obdurate but no less effective.
Old foes
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What do you reckon is being discussed here?
"Honestly Michael. That was lbw at the Gabba in 2001.
"Give over, it was not out Glenn."
Scorecard update
England 139-3
Batsmen: Ballance 41 (96), Root 68 (70).
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1)
Bowling figures: Starc 9-3-36-1, Hazlewood 12-4-37-1, Johnson 10-0-49-0, Lyon 6-2-15-1
"The worry for Gary is he's not looking at the ball, he's been hit a couple of times and when he gets on a quicker pitch against Johnson it is going to be very different. Your chances of survival as a batsman if you're not looking at the ball are very slim."
Drinks break
Eng 139-3 (Johnson 10-0-49-0)
Does Gary Ballance owe Mitchell Johnson a tenner? Every ball is directed at the body. Over the wicket and round the wicket, he is peppered. He's still there though. Drinks.
"The best of the Australian bowlers has been Hazlewood, he's the one that doesn't try to swing it, he just tries to hit the seam. Starc and Johnson haven't got the right length.
"A lot of it can be attributed to the Dukes ball, it is very different than they are used to - it feels smaller in the hand and each has its own personality."
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Eng 138-3
Mitchell Johnson charges in to Joe Root and is cracked back down the ground for four. 86mph and dispatched with interest.
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David Townend: It's finely balanced add two wickets to the score and Australia on top add 100 runs and England on top. Proper Test match.
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Eng 134-3 (Ballance 41, Root 63)
The TV rev counter tells us that Nathan Lyon is giving it a rip out there, and he's certainly keeping a lid on England. They are barely taking any runs off him.
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Eng 130-3
By the skin of his teeth - and the fact that ball was pitching outside leg - Joe Root lives to fight another day.
Umpire review
Eng 130-3
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England aren't blazing their way to a total here, but they are digging in. Joe Root unfurls a glorious cover drive to Nathan Lyon which brings four, but then misses a fairly straight one and a decent appeal is turned down. Australia review it.
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Oz: Fair play to Gary Ballance. Clearly struggling for form but battling on very well...
"Ballance doesn't know whether to stick or twist with the short ball, he's not comfortable pulling anyway."
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Eng 125-3 (35 overs)
Joe Root admits the bowler's done him when he gets an inside edge to Mitchell Johnson which narrowly evades his stumps and runs for four. Smile and nod, Joe.
The final ball of the over hits Gary Ballance on the arm and the ball is pouched by short leg. That'll bruise, Gary.
How's stat?!
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Eng 120-3 (Lyon 5-2-7-1)
Pace at one end, spin at the other. A true test of a batsman's mettle.
Nathan Lyon is also coming round the wicket to Gary Ballance, who inhales sharply after one particular forward press. Not much spin for the balding Lyon to fall back on. Not yet, anyway.
Tips from 'Whispering Death'
Michael Holding, a rapid bowler himself, has been speaking on Sky Sports about how to play short bowling: "People talk about batsman being more comfortable playing short bowling because of helmets and extra protection. Ballance is even wearing a chest guard, so could let it hit him. But that's just not in your mind. You will always be a little bit wary of short-pitched bowling."
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Eng 119-3 (England won toss)
Mitchell Johnson is reverting to type. He's steaming in from round the wicket and peppering Gary Ballance, who fends one off his nose. The left-hander is dealing with it fairly well. It's never pleasant, let's be fair.
"I asked Jimmy Anderson if he'd spoken to any of their boys and he said he saw Mitchell Johnson the other day and asked if he was alright, and Johnson just stared the other way and walked off."
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Eng 118-3
Brad Haddin is jumping around as though his favourite song has just come on at ten to two in the local nightspot. He believes Joe Root has feathered a catch behind off a Mitchell Johnson bouncer. Nothing doing, Bradley.
Root 50 off 56 balls
Eng 118-3
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Joe Root works Nathan Lyon for two, but almost falls for the oldest trick in the book when he chases one down the leg side and comes close to overbalancing. Brad Haddin was ready. Next ball brings two off a leading edge and when the ball lands safely, it brings up Root's 12th Test half-century. Great knock. Again.
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OptaJim: 174 - Since the start of 2014 Joe Root averages 174 batting against off-spinners in Tests, at a strike rate of 87.4. Tamed.
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Eng 113-3
Time for off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
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Eng 113-3 (Ballance 38, Root 46)
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Hair flapping in the Cardiff breeze, Mitchell Johnson gallops to the crease. He appears to be trying too hard as he bangs one in and Joe Root is disappointed not to hammer it to the boundary, instead picking out the fielder. A single down to fine leg makes it three for the over.
The Edge of Glory
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Have you seen the latest cricket craze?
Watch former England team-mates Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard try the BBC Sport's Edge of Glory challenge - how many times can they bounce a tennis ball on the edge of a cricket bat?
Send us your photos of any improvised versions of Edge of Glory.
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Eng 110-3
Mitchell Johnson - the man England were meant to worry about - returns to the bowling attack with figures of 6-0-35-0.
"Gaz Ballance is obviously not in great nick but he's fighting it out and really showing some gusto to keep at it."
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Eng 110-3 (partnership 67)
Josh Hazlewood versus Joe Root. This is a battle which will go on for years, almost like Glenn McGrath and Michael Atherton before them. Just the one from the over.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Just stumbled across these four fellas, dressed as 'Outback explorers'. Their intrepid travels have taken them all the way from Kent and a daring overnighter at an M4 service station."
BBCCopyright: BBC
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Eng 109-3 (Ballance 38 off 74)
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There's a bit of the Paulo Wanchope's about Mitchell Starc at the moment. Stick with me.
He's mercurial when he gets it right, but even he doesn't seem to know what the ball is going to do this afternoon. Moments after finding the edge, he has Brad Haddin scampering to avoid giving away four byes.
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Eng 107-3
Ooohhh... Gary Ballance edges Mitchell Starc behind but the ball drops short of Shane Watson at first slip. Lucky escape.
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Eng 107-3
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Mitchell Starc's radar continues to let him down and a half volley into the pads of Gary Ballance is clipped for four.
"I think they were over-attacking Root a bit, he was scoring at will. Now they are just trying to build pressure because if you make it too easy to score it can get away from you pretty quickly.
"Hazlewood is hitting the team and that is one thing you have to do in England with the Dukes ball, it seems to have a big seam and can nibble around."
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Eng 103-3 (Root 41, Ballance 34)
Josh Hazlewood gets a delivery to almost tickle the bails as it nips back into Joe Root and goes just over the off stump. Hands on head for the bowler, Root just resets himself. You don't want to play poker against this lad. Maiden.
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Eng 103-3
David Warner is being cheered on today by his wife Candice and daughter Ivy Mae Warner. He does have a soft side, you know.
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Eng 103-3 (run-rate: 3.81)
Gary Ballance brings up the England 100 by squirting a full ball for four through gully. He then sways out of the way of a short one. Mitchell Starc just doesn't look comfortable out there, while Ballance, despite looking like a man trying to keep his toes away from the strimmer, is digging in.
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Kevan Sangster: Is it possible to clone Joe Root? I'd like to bat him at 1,3 and 5.
Andrew V: Would be nice if at the end of all this that kids aspire to be Joe Root rather than Raheem Sterling.
A bit chilly, lads?
Remember these two Aussies? Mark Taylor and Ian Healy are working for Australian television in Cardiff today. They look like they are a bit cold.
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Eng 99-3 (Root 41 off 37)
Josh Hazlewood is the type of bowler who, when he gets it right, has the ball on a string. Allied to the fact he's deceptively quick, he causes Joe Root some problems with one which jags back in and hits him in the midriff. A muted appeal. Not out.
When there's one floated outside off stump, Root misses out and hammers the ball into the turf beneath his feet.
"The thing I have liked about the Australians is they have bowled a good full length. The wicket has no pace and not much bounce so you've got to bowl that full length or else you're not going to look like taking a wicket unless the batsman throws it away. The first few balls Root was a bit shaky but since then he has been in total control, anything short he just helps on its way."
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Eng 99-3
Joe Root is bossing it out there - riding a short ball from Josh Hazlewood and guiding it wide of point for four.
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Eng 95-3 (Starc 7-3-27-1)
Very funny... the two umpires came out after lunch in the wrong coats. They try them on, then swap between deliveries. Do they not sew their name into the collar? Looks like they should.
Mitchell Starc is booming the ball all over the place to Gary Ballance but his radar is skew-whiff. He's more threatening against the right-handed Joe Root, as he tries to nip the ball back into the pads. Three from the over.
Sledging is part of the game - Redknapp
PACopyright: PA
Well, veteran football manager Harry Redknapp says there is not much sledging in football but thinks it has a place in cricket: "Ashes, sledging and Fred Trueman - it's all part of the game for me," he writes on Kicca.
There are a few pints of beer and glasses of wine springing up in the stands. It's acceptable now you've had a butty, right? Gary Ballance doesn't look very convincing out there but he squeezes a single off Josh Hazlewood.
"Joe Root is making it look pretty easy compared to the other batsmen. Australia could have made England pay but since that dropped catch Joe Root has been on the attack."
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Eng 91-3
Second ball after lunch is dug in and Joe Root tucks in, pulling three into the leg side.
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Eng 88-3
First ball after lunch is on the money from Josh Hazlewood, and pushed straight back to the bowler by Joe Root.
Listen to TMS on your sun lounger
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Listening abroad? On your jollies? Lucky you.
Did you know you can listen to TMS commentary in Europe and North America? Click here.
Unfortunately, because of rights issues, this is not available in the UK, Sri Lanka, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Thanks Stephan. Good knock. Can England make hay in the afternoon sunshine? We'll soon find out. The players are fed and watered and making their way back to the middle.
Taylor's batting tips
BBCCopyright: BBC
There are some who feel James Taylor should be in this England team. Who knows? He might even get a go later in the series.
Anyway, he has taken time out from piling on the runs for Notts to offer his batting tips to you good people, via the BBC's Get Inspired. Have a look here.
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Alex Jacques: The new CEO is in the office so I'm hiding in the toilet watching the updates ROOOOOOOOOT.
Rich: With so many windows open for the commentary on the cricket and tennis it looks like I work for the BBC!
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There's 10 minutes or so before the players leave the lunch table and head back out to the middle. I'm out of here for a bit, so I'll leave you with Marc Higginson.
"It was my first Ashes Test and I bowled like a drain. But with the bat they knew I liked to play shots. At one point I think I got hit three times in five balls. My over-confidence way out-stripped my talent."
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Join the debate at #bbccricket
Oliver Reid-Smith: Fun stat: since the beginning of the year, Alastair Cook has averaged 59.7 in 11 test cricket innings. Drop him?
Nicholas Smith: Great fightback from Root and Ballance. Plenty of batting to come and apart from Hazlewood, the bowling is nothing to fear.
Is sledging good for cricket?
You have been voting in your droves and the results are now in....
58% of you said sledging is good for cricket - and 42% thought not. I wonder if Merv Hughes managed to vote.
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Harry from London: Don't know what the atmosphere in Cardiff is like, but the office is eerily quite as everyone feigns work and awaits the latest text update.
Former Australia batsman Marcus North recalling the 2009 Cardiff Ashes Test: "It was a pretty flat wicket then too. It was only my third Test match and I tended to get nervous but it was nice to get out there and contribute."
Get updates on the move
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If you're struggling to listen to TMS or follow the live text, you can always sign up for news and wicket alerts on your mobile phone or tablet, via the BBC Sport app. Full details here.
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Tom Fordyce
Chief sports writer at Cardiff
"The damp start and early England wickets ensured a slow morning for the boozemobiles parked under the stands. While the Foster's stand is at least doing steady business, the lads working on the Pimm's concession have the haunted look of temporary staff fearing the sack. And don't even ask about the champagne bar."
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Ash Green: Much like a battered tree in a storm, once again England will be clinging on by a Root...
Evan Samuel: Two games going on out there: Root, and everyone else. Different class. Haddin's drop looking worse.
Stay tuned to Test Match Special during lunch as Graeme Swann and former Australia batsman Marcus North relive the famous Ashes Test at Cardiff in 2009 - the match of Monty Panesar and James Anderson saving the game for England with the bat.
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But Root and Ballance have taken England to lunch, Root counter-punching to a 24-ball 33. Ballance, scratchy at first, has grown into his unbeaten 28. The pitch is very much on the slow side, no great bounce, little movement to encourage the pacemen. Australia have impressed sporadically with the ball - Starc's in-swingers full of danger. At other times, the tourists have served up some short, wide dross.
"They were in trouble but Root has played nicely, busily picked off the bad balls and England have got to lunch relatively ok. There are no demons in this pitch to face any fast bowler. After being bombed by Johnson in Australia this is the perfect surface. You've got to get yourself out here."
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Just joining us? Where've you been? England won the toss and batted on a damp Cardiff morning, immediately seeing Adam Lyth held in the gully off Josh Hazlewood. Alastair Cook looked good before edging Nathan Lyon behind, while Ian Bell came and went lbw to Mitchell Starc. At 43-3, England were in the soup, and it could have been worse had Brad Haddin not dropped Joe Root second ball.
Lunch scorecard
England 88-3 (England won toss)
Not out batsmen: Ballance 28 (57), Root 33 (24).
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1)
Bowling figures: Starc 6-3-24-1, Hazlewood 8-3-28-1, Johnson 6-0-35-0, Lyon 3-2-1-1.
The end of the first session in this 2015 Ashes series. Australia's morning, no doubt, but England will take some cheer from the way Ballance and Root have fought back. 45 they've added for the fourth wicket. I wonder how costly it might be for Australia to have dropped Root on nought?
"This is good for Gary Ballance. He is in, spending time in the middle. If he can just hang in there another hour, get into the 30s, he'll relax a bit and think that he hasn't failed, because it has been a while since he has had a proper innings."
Eng 84-3 (Ballance 25, Root 32)
Mitchell Johnson, the only Australia bowler without a wicket this morning, to take us to lunch. Gary Ballance, who has battled his way through the morning, gets rewards for his patience, twice tucking in to cut for four. Remember how we said Australia had bowled their share of rubbish? This is another example from Johnson. Round the wicket for the final two balls...
"Joe Root at number five in Test cricket is currently averaging 78.4."
Eng 76-3 (partnership 33)
"Roooooooooot". More din for the Yorkshire tyro, who has jolted the crowd into life. A Josh Hazlewood long hop is cut for four, a fitting welcome to the sight of sunshine. In the crowd, a man in whites has an oversized novelty bat over shoulder, it must be seven feet long. You know when Fred Flintstone carried his club over his shoulder? Like that. Maybe one over to go before lunch.
"From the hand Starc and Johnson have been touching 90mph, but when it hits the pitch it is like a pricked balloon, it is going nowhere."
Eng 70-3 (Ballance 17, Root 26)
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Seriously, what's going on with Joe Root? While England have scratched around for most of the morning, Root has come out in the form of the gods. In fairness, Johnson is bowling some rubbish, short and wide. Root tucks in, a four, a two, then a three, all through the point region. It's so good, we hear the Barmy Army trumpeter for the first time this summer, playing the theme from the Addams Family. I think the words to that song are derogatory to the Aussies, but I can't be sure. The rain has relented, blue sky above.
It's raining
BBC Weather's Jacob Cope: "It looks like there's a shower just upwind of Cardiff but it won't last long, 10 minutes tops, and after that it's all dry by the looks of things."
Eng 61-3 (20 overs)
It's mizzly, the sort of fine rain that you can't see through and doesn't get you that wet. Umpires have another chat after Ballance negotiates a Hazlewood over. They decide to stay on, even though to looks be getting heavier. Mitchell Johnson removes his cap. Remember, this pitch hasn't really been fraught with danger. It's on the slow side, no real movement.
Lonely radio presenter
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BBC Radio Wales host Jason Mohammad has been in touch: "They said host a radio show from The Ashes. Sitting in an empty pub in the shadow of the Swalec Stadium #miserable."
"I don't think Starc has bowled the ball across Root enough, he is just to the inswinger now. By the way, Bell's innings was awful, four balls of absolute tripe."
Eng 61-3 (Ballance 17, Root 17)
Is Joe Root playing the same sport as the rest of the England batsmen? Starc full and leggy, Root clipping square for a bullet boundary. And again, this time a pendulum swing of the bat brings a couple more down the ground. Ah, that's more in keeping with the morning, a play and miss outside the off stump. A strong wind flutters flags at the top of the pavilion and is there just a couple of umbrellas up in the crowd?
Hang in there
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"The trees behind the Riverside Stand offer a potential view of the action for the fearless..."
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Eng 55-3 (Hazlewood 6-2-22-1)
You know what? In amongst the dangerous stuff, Australia have bowled some dross, usually well wide of the off stump. This time it's Hazelwood not threatening Ballance's timber, prompting a change of angle to round the wicket. That's better, beating Ballance's tentative prod. A maiden. The crowd hum that usually accompanies the first morning of a Test is barely audible. If you're in Cardiff, do let me know if my impression of a sombre atmosphere is correct.
"I think with a score of 250 you would be in the game. Joe Root and England will be hoping that dropped catch from Brad Haddin will cost Australia dearly."
Eng 55-3 (Root 11 from 8 balls)
Oh, Joe. That's lovely. Loose from Starc, Root cutting through the vacant point region for four. Cardiff shows signs of life, the "Roooooot" drone. And again! Cover drive for three. A baby-faced counter-punch from the Yorkshire batsman. How often might that be the case this summer?
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Max Whiting: I have a feeling we will be relying on Root, Stokes and Buttler a lot this series!!
Thomas Cropper: Lyth, Bell and Cook replaced with Pietersen, Morgan and Bairstow/Rashid please.
Eng 47-3
Nice from Root, off the mark with a dreamy drive through mid-off off Starc. Four-penneth. Next ball, beaten outside off stump. Do not takes your eyes off this.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Just seen England number 10 Mark Wood fully padded up and making his way to the nets. On this evidence, it's a wise move."
Eng 43-3 (Ballance 16, Root 0)
With England in turmoil, Michael Clarke removes Nathan Lyon and unleashes Josh Hazlewood. In the midst of the carnage, Gary Ballance remains, perhaps showing a touch more certainty outside off stump. Sky still grey, touch of wind to ruffle the players' shirts. Cardiff silent, funereal.
"That's 56 runs in his last nine innings for Ian Bell."
Eng 43-3 (Starc 4-3-6-1)
Mercifully for England, that is the end of the Starc over. A replay of the Bell wicket shows that the ball would have clipped the leg stump, the Warwickshire man swiping the ground with his bat as he walked off. Root, by hook or crook, somehow got through the rest of the set. Starc showed us what he was capable of at the World Cup and is arrowing in his inswinging yorkers like loaded missiles fraught with danger for the men in blue helmets.
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Paul Hawkins: That familiar sinking feeling *rolls eyes*.
James Brandon: Joe Root coming in to a crisis. We've been here at least once before I think.
Graeme Taylor: Eoin Morgan, you're in for Lords. The experiment with Root at 3 is working, except he's batting 5 behind absent top order.
Root dropped on 0
Eng 43-3
I can't keep up with this. Next ball, Root's second, he jams down on a very full ball, edging towards Haddin, who dives to his right and shells the chance. Could he have gone two-handed? Probably.
Eng 43-3
My word, it's all happening. A huge appeal first ball against new man Joe Root, only saved by the slither of an inside edge. Every ball an event.
"It's the late swing from Starc, at good pace. It is going to be difficult for the right-handers when the ball is hooping back into the pads. It was a good toss to lose."
WICKET
Bell lbw Starc 1 (Eng 43-3)
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England are sliding towards the mire little more than an hour into this Ashes series. Mitchell Starc has come to the party to remove Ian Bell, a very full delivery swinging back to pin England's number four leg before. Bell lingers, thinks of a review, but is sent on his way after chat with Gary Ballance. Is this starting to feel a little bit 2013-14? Are we set for a very long summer?
Eng 43-2
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Looking again at the Cook dismissal, the ball perhaps bounced more that the England skipper was expecting, some overspin causing the ball to kick higher than he might have thought. Was it wide enough to cut? Probably not. Now Starc to Bell.
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Greg Double: Particularly bad dismissal for Cook as it puts England's most out of form batsmen in together. Expect another wicket very soon...
Matthew Bennett: Please don't let that knock Cook's confidence, attacking fervour has revitalised his game recently.
Ayelet H Lushkov: Joe Root must be thinking 'Really? Again? Must we do this *every* single time?'.
Eng 43-2 (Lyon 3-2-1-1)
Ian Bell is the new man, so we now have two England batsmen in need of a score at the crease. Lyon stands round the wicket to right-hander Bell, who is immediately on the charge. Up and over, a complete miscue on the leg side brings a single. I'm all for England pressurising Lyon, but is this a little reckless?
"Terrific captaincy from Clarke putting Nathan Lyon on early. He bowled a few dot balls and pressure was building. Cook was trying to make something out of something that wasn't there.
"This pitch is turgid, it really is. We got used to pulls cuts and drives in the New Zealand but it is back to old school here. That first over Lyth faced you could see it was a pitch we have not been used to of late."
WICKET
Cook c Haddin b Lyon 20 (Eng 42-2)
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Oh, Alastair. What have you done? Two balls after drinks, the England captain is on his way back. Cook had looked to get after Nathan Lyon, without success, and now he has perished cutting a ball that was probably too close. An edge is gobbled by the waiting gloves of Brad Haddin. After looking good, Cook is on his way and the Aussie experiment with Lyon has worked. Australia's morning so far.
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A Question of Sport Teaser
Our colleagues at Question of Sport have set a teaser for you this lunch-time. They ask... Who are the five cricketers whose first name is Adam to play Test cricket for England or Australia?
We'll bring the answers late on. No cheating.
Scorecard update
England 42-1 (England won toss)
Batsmen: Cook 20, Ballance 16
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6)
Bowling figures: Starc 3-2-6-0, Hazlewood 4-0-22-1, Johnson 4-0-14-0, Lyon 2-2-0-0
Mitchell Starc is back into the attack, replacing his fellow left-armer Johnson. Two fairly average overs earlier from Starc, but his line is a little more threatening here. Is Starc thinking of growing some face fuzz too? Johnson and David Warner both have the mo, and it looks like Starc is eschewing shaving. Team moustache? If England tried that, Joe Root might be ready for the 2019 series. One hour into this series, we'll have a drink.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
BBCCopyright: BBC
"It's a full house in the Cardiff press box for cricket's greatest drama."
Eng 36-1 (Lyon 2-2-0-0)
Alastair Cook is definitely playing Nathan Lyon more aggressively than he usually would take on on off-spinner in the first hour of a Test match. Another dance, hitting the ball straight at the man at short cover. And another dance, then a cut. Prods and swipes, but another Lyon maiden.
Punter faces up to Mitch
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Interesting stuff from ex-Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Sky Sports. He admits that facing Mitchell Johnson was uncomfortable in the nets, but he would always insist on facing the quicker bowlers to prepare for his role as number three. He was no shirker, Ricky.
Eng 36-1 (Cook 20, Ballance 10)
Johnson has the ball in his left hand and a look on his face as dark as the sky overhead. Gary Ballance is his prey, hunted by four slips and a man under the helmet. Ballance, a thick-set left-hander, fiddles with his box - I'd check be checking too if a man was sending down leather bullets at 90mph. A couple nudged on the leg side, then a pretty unconvincing leave. Ballance hasn't looked comfortable, but he's still battling through.
"They should look to get after Lyon, I think you should always get after a spinner. It's all about the breeze in Test cricket for a spin bowler. He will probably bowl from the River Taff end to get the ball to drift away."
Eng 34-1 (10 overs)
"Turn and bounce," says Brad Haddin from behind the stumps. I'm not sure there is, Brad. Lyon bowled 22 overs for 136 runs in the first innings against Essex last week, so maybe England might look to get after him. Cook instantly on the charge, but Lyon starts with a maiden.
Eng 34-1
Hello, this is a bit of a curveball. Spin in the first hour on a wet, grey Cardiff morning. Nathan Lyon to have a tweak.
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Jon Dunn: Australia have bowled poorly in this first half an hour, which makes Lyth's dismissal so disappointing.
Matt Tasker: Sharing a desk with an Aussie today. I'm boldly predicting England 500-7. We may not be friends by the end of the day.
Eng 34-1 (Johnson 3-0-12-0)
Johnson's slick-back hair is starting to come out of place, bouncing as he hunts down Alastair Cook. Speedo in overdrive - 91mph - with the threat of some swing towards the waiting slips. Cook, not sure whether to play or leave, does neither, somehow angling the ball to third man for four. That's better judgement outside off stump from the skipper, who then swivels on a pull for a single.
"I have seen Hazlewood compared to Glenn McGrath but I see Stuart Clark - he is much more that pace. He even looks like him in his action and follow through."
Eng 29-1 (Cook 15, Ballance 8)
It's from Maximo Park lead singer Paul Smith! If you've got no idea who they are, look them up. We're not just here to tell you about cricket, sometimes we expand your musical taste too. Anyway, back to the cricket, with Gary Ballance edging towards some certainty, guiding Hazlewood to fine leg for four. That draws a cheer for the Cardiff crowd, reminding us that there are actually spectators in attendance. I wonder why it's so quiet? Nerves, maybe?
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Eng 22-1
Delighted with the following tweet that's come in to #bbccricket...
Watching from the new office
CJ Naylor, on Instagram, writes: "New office, new desk, first day of the Ashes Test."
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Good to have you aboard, CJ.
Eng 22-1 (Cook 10, Ballance 6)
Johnson stalks in to a less-than-comfortable Gary Ballance. It might be a slow pitch, but the prowling Johnson has Ballance flustered with a short ball that is a smidge under 90 clicks. When Ballance stabs a single, Cook gets to the business end and looks to be playing a different game to his young number three. At the moment, Cook is comfortable in the heat of the kitchen, while Ballance is wary of getting his fingers burned.
How's stat?!
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Josh Hazlewood now has 25 Test wickets at an average of 18.76. The boy is good.
Eng 20-1 (6 overs - 84 remain)
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Hello, sunshine. The first sight of the bright stuff in the Welsh capital gets Josh Hazlewood a little giddy, with a bumper hooked for four by Alastair Cook. Whisper it quietly, but the England skipper has started with a reasonable degree of comfort. Three slips and a gully in the grabbers, a short leg and shortish square leg wait for a chance. Cook, tongue forced into his cheek, watches carefully as Hazlewood gets a little wayward outside off stump.
"This isn't going to be a terror pitch where the ball is flying around your ears - no matter who is bowling on it. You've got to get it full and try to entice the drive."
Eng 16-1 (Cook 5, Ballance 5)
Johnson has his dark hair slicked back and the moustache in place on his top lip, the look of an evil overlord. The fajitas aren't sizzling just yet - pace at 88mph. He'll get quicker. He looks to go very full, but a full toss is bunted through the covers by Cook for four. After a single, Ballance is crowded by fielders, more popular than a man handing out free fivers. The left-hander goes back and across to dig out a toe-seeker that touches 91mph.
"Not a bad toss to lose. I've already heard two Aussie pressmen accusing the groundsman of taking pace out of this pitch - well there has never been pace in this pitch."
Eng 11-1
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It is going to be Johnson. Remember the moustachioed menace that stalked your dreams some 18 months ago? Time to be brave.
Eng 11-1
Gary Ballance managed only 36 runs in four knocks against New Zealand and he looks like a man short of form. Ooofff, that's a very scratchy edge through the slips for four. Mitchell Johnson is getting loose, an early change?
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Glenn McGrath had just been commenting on how quiet the ground seemed. Not any more. That early wicket drew a roar from the Australia fans decked out in green and gold in the Croesco Stand. Looks like some of the Fanatics (Australia's best-known sport and party tour company, according to their website) have made the trip west from Wimbledon to be here for this one."
Close!
Eng 7-1
Was that a chance? Ballance poking Hazlewood in the direction of short leg? No, just fell short. All happening, every ball an event. England under early pressure
"Mitchell Starc when he gets it wrong you can't bowl him. Most of his success has come with the white ball. At times with the red ball Michael Clarke hasn't had the confidence to bowl him."
Eng 7-1
Luckily for England, Mitchell Starc hasn't got the radar working yet. He struggled in Australia's final warm-up game at Essex last week. Lots of deliveries wide of Cook's off stump, with the skipper leaving alone. Cardiff is pretty much silent, as if the crowd is too nervous to make a sound.
"I think everyone has to try and get forward on this pitch, you could probably get forward to Michael Holding on this - not that I'd tell him that."
Eng 7-1 (Hazlewood 1-0-7-1)
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So it took Australia only 12 balls to take a first shot at the England batting. Looking again, it may not have swung back into Lyth, but rather straightened from a leg-stump line. Indeed, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was off down the leg side. Gary Ballance is England's number three and a man in need of runs.
"That's a perfect start for Australia, there is a lack of pace in the wicket which did for Lyth, he got a leading edge and caught very well by Warner. Not the start England would have wanted after winning the toss. There is a chance for things to go badly for them."
WICKET
Lyth c Warner b Hazlewood 6 (Eng 7-1)
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Gone! First blood of the 2015 Ashes to Australia. Josh Hazlewood has sent Adam Lyth on his way, with David Warner taking a very good low catch in the gully. The ball swung into Lyth on a good length, squaring up the left-hander. A leading edge flies near to the ground, with Warner moving to his right to snaffle. A good nut from Hazlewood, but no feet from Lyth. There's that sinking feeling in the stomach. Hello, old friend.
How's stat?!
Of the four Ashes matches in which Alastair Cook has won the toss, he has won three of them. When he has lost the toss, he has never won.
Eng 1-0
Right-armer Josh Hazlewood shares the new ball - we must wait for Mitchell Johnson. Swing for Hazlewood into Cook, who gets an unconvincing edge on to the off side and scampers one. England off the mark.
"If that's happening third ball of the match it is not looking good for the rest of the game but hopefully it's a one-off.
"It's so quiet around the ground, I'm not sure if there aren't more nerves in the stands than in the middle. It's a bit eerie."
Eng 0-0
There's also a short leg in place for the loose-limbed, dark-haired Mitchell Starc, who gets one to scuttle through, underneath the bat of left-hander Lyth. Uneven bounce, or just a lack of pace? Starc can crank the speedo past 90, but he's warming to his task in the high 80s. Some away-swing for Starc and another delivery barely carrying to Brad Haddin. A slow deck?
First ball of the 2015 Ashes
Eng 0-0
Banged in by left-armer Starc, Lyth drops his hands and sways out of the way. Finally, we're under way.
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Mitchell Starc is at the end of his run. Adam Lyth takes guard. The talking, hype and singing is done. Radio on, live text minimised so the boss can't see. Three slips and a gully. Ready? Play.
'I'm out of the office...'
BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James: Out of office: Hi, thanks for your tweet. I'm currently busy watching The Ashes and will get back to you in September. Have a great summer.
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Joy and rapture, the umpires are finally on the way, greeted by Jerusalem and followed by the Baggy Greens of Australia. To a huge cheer, England openers Alastair Cook and Adam Lyth skip down the stairs. Nearly there.
"It's been a massive build-up to the Ashes, weeks and weeks of it. Positive start for England, you've got to bat first, but I think the Australians won't be overly concerned, I think they are going to bowl a lot fuller and look to take early wickets. It's do or die for England."
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There's still two huge flags on the outfield, even though the five-minute bell has gone. Will you give me a nudge when we finally get some cricket, please?
'I'm out of the office...'
BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James might not be contactable for the next couple of months...
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After all that, they are going back to the dressing rooms! We're not starting until 11.15! They get all the players out there and now they are heading back inside. Unbelievable.
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Trevor Hobday: This is ridiculous; why all the pageantry? We should be playing cricket and the first over should have been bowled by now; we are already behind the clock!
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Tom Fordyce
Chief sports writer at Cardiff
"The last ball in Ashes cricket before today featured England's Boyd Rankin being caught at slip. Surprised? It was only a year and a half ago, but it may as well have been a lifetime between then in a baked Sydney and this morning at a soggy Cardiff. Only six of that England XI remain; there has been time to both appoint and sack a head coach and managing director, to sack a star batsman and to let the longest row in cricket history drag on and on. The next ball in Ashes history can't happen soon enough."
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I'll be honest, I'm a huge fan of the Australia national anthem. The Aussies, have their arms linked, singing to a man. All but Brad Haddin in sleeveless sweaters. Keepers are hard. Now England's turn. Ian Bell looks nervous, while Joe Root is like a man born to do this. Fireworks and handshakes. Maybe now we can get on with it.
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Robert Croft is belting out the Welsh anthem. Go on, Crofty.
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Players at the top of the steps, announced over the tannoy and then down on to the red carpet while flanked by trumpeters, as if in some sort of medieval royal court. Here come the anthems.
"I've always believed if the pitch is good for batting you've got to bat. If the pitch has moisture or grass and you can bowl the opposition out before the end of the day then bowl first.
"If it does drizzle the ball gets wet and once the gloss goes off the new ball it doesn't bounce, doesn't zip, the bowlers don't like it."
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I tell you what, they aren't half milking this. There's flags being carried across the outfield by soldiers, all while the suited male voice choir continue to warble on. If if wasn't for all this pageantry, we could actually be watching some cricket by now.
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It's becoming quite clear that we're not starting on time. We're only two minutes from the scheduled start - not long enough for Mitchell Johnson to mark out his run, let alone hear three national anthems. You know how I said the players are on the way? I got a bit carried away, they still wait in the dressing room. There is, however, a male voice choir singing Bread Of Heaven. Standard.
"I don't like predictions. The slight favourites are Australia because of their strength in bowling. The young kid that's coming, Cummins, is very quick and those bowlers do have the biggest effect. You've got to get 20 wickets to win and on paper - and paper doesn't win matches - but Australia have a bit more edge."
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Here come the players for the pomp and circumstance. Red carpets, et al. Surely Katherine Jenkins is there? Is it not the law for her to sing the anthems in these circumstances?
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Dan: I've found the only bar in Taipei showing the cricket, beer in hand, I am ready to go.
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The players mooch on their respective balconies, Alastair Cook looking pensive, Stuart Broad sitting back like a man not expecting to do much for a while. Before play begins, we'll hear the anthems of England, Wales and Australia. In the crowd, some Aussie fans decked in yellow (not gold) long for home. Yes, Cardiff in a UK summer is colder than an Australian winter.
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Weather news - the covers are coming off. No word on if play will be delayed. If it is, it won't be by long.
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Thanks, Marc. It was north-east indie combo Maximo Park that told us ignorance isn't bliss, familiarity still ends in contempt.
Perhaps the same can be said for England's feeling towards Australia, especially as we begin a third Ashes series in two years. Aussies: can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.
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I've had a tap on the shoulder. It's the big man, Stephan Shemilt.
He's opening up for us today. I'll be back around lunch-time. Enjoy!
"It's a passing shower, it's going to clear again in about four minutes."
It's raining
The covers are being brought on because of a brief shower. But fear not... we're not expecting a long delay to the scheduled 11:00 BST start, if at all.
Got to love cricket and the great British weather, haven't we?
'I am out of the office...'
BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James might not be contactable for the next couple of months...
"If England are still batting at the end of day one I'm going for a draw. If this cloud does blow away they are perfect batting conditions. When the wickets are flat here they are as flat as anything."
Cook's captaincy
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Despite being back in the runs against New Zealand, Alastair Cook heads into the series with questions marks over his captaincy.
His response? "There's a lot always written about my captaincy. I think at certain times I have to be able to get on that front foot as well as a captain. When I first started we had a really methodical team, people who liked really banging out areas time and time again and batters who were relentlessly grinding down the opposition.
"The guys we have now are a little bit more free-spirited than that. It's about being able to let them feel comfortable playing their way."
Spin duel
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So, England have decided not to employ leg-spinner Adil Rashid and kept their faith in Moeen Ali. Australia have resisted temptation to replace Nathan Lyon with a fourth frontline seamer.
Team line-ups
England: Alastair Cook (capt), Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson.
Australia: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Steve Smith, Michael Clarke (capt), Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
How's stat?!
It might be a surprise to some, but Australia haven't won a series in England since 2001. They have won just one Test here in their last 14.
Skipper's view from the toss
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Australia captain Michael Clarke: "I would have batted as well, but hopefully it swings around a little bit this morning.
"We understand that's been tough to have success over here, but we're excited for the challenge. Stats are there to be changed.
"We have experience, a lot of guys have played in these conditions. We have to play our best cricket against a very good team in their own back yard.
"All players were in contention. Shaun and Mitchell Marsh have done everything to push for selection, but the selectors have stuck with the older guys."
Skipper's view from the toss
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England captain Alastair Cook: "There's some overhead conditions but we think it's a fairly dry wicket. Hopefully the cloud will burn off and it won't swing too much.
"It's been a really good summer for us so far. Now we have to start again against a very good side.
"I've got a huge amount of faith in our players. There's some talented players in our team."
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Australia captain Michael Clarke admitted he would have batted first too. He will hope his bowlers don't suffer from Steve Harmison-like first day nerves.
They are, of course, without Ryan Harris who was forced to retire last weekend because of injury. Rhino retires with 113 wickets at an amazing average of 23.52.
His replacement is Josh Hazlewood, who took his wickets at less than 10 in the series against West Indies. Handy.
"England have to get some kind of total and then throw the ball to Anderson, Broad and Mark Wood. It also brings Moeen Ali into the game, he can bowl into the footmarks and I think it's the right decision. You have to play well see off that new ball in the first session.
"It's brave because people will see a few clouds around but it's a positive move to get some runs on the board."
Tweet from the media
BreakingEngland win toss and bat
Michael Clarke called incorrectly and a little, cheeky smile crept across the face of the England skipper who will now have a quick chat with the broadcasters before getting padded up.
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Dewy: Taking the life out of the pitch might not be a bad thing. With the Mitchell's they have more fire power, could be nullified.
Morning, gents
The great and good of English cricket are gearing up for the opening day's play...
"If Cook can bat all day - stay there like I did - blunt the two attacking fast bowers, Johnson and Starc, then it will make us all feel better and think we really have a chance against this lot."
Such a perfect day
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
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"There can be few more pleasant approaches to a cricket ground than the walk to the Swalec from Cardiff city centre. Through the gates of the 11th century castle, into Bute Park and over the River Taff, a gentle weave through the woodland of Sophia Gardens and you're there.
"As the stands begins to fill, the outfield is the usual playground scene, with both teams going through their pre-match drills as media and officials mingle among them. The pitch? An absolute belter by all accounts."
'Wood is going to be special'
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Mark Wood, centre, took nine wickets in his debut Test series against New ZealandImage caption: Mark Wood, centre, took nine wickets in his debut Test series against New Zealand
Here's more from former England fast bowler Simon Jones, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: "England have Mark Wood, I think that boy is going to be special. He bowls 90mph plus, he pitches it up, he swings it, he can seam it and I reckon he'll be good with the old ball as well with the type of action he's got. He's strong at the crease, he's exciting to watch, he's confident.
"I like the fact he's come into this team and he looks as if he's played Test cricket for years, he really enjoys himself."
'England team really excites me'
Former England fast bowler Simon Jones, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: "In 2005 we didn't struggle to take 20 wickets, we each knew someone was going to put their hand up and take four or five wickets. That confidence, you can't buy that, and that's why I like the look of England's attack now, they have different bowling options and that's why this team really excites me."
Clarke's big news
Vote now
If you hit the voting tab on this page, you'll be asked a simple question: Is sledging good for cricket?
You tell us. We'll reveal the results at lunch.
New man steering the ship
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England go into this series with a new coach. An Aussie, going by the name of Trevor Bayliss.
What would WG Grace say about that?
The general consensus, however, is that England have got a good un' - a coach who is innovative, stays in the background and has a track record of success.
He sounds a bit like his old mucker, Darren Lehmann to me.
Wicketkeeper Jones announces retirement
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Here's some breaking news for you...
The man who took the winning catch in that fantastic Edgbaston Test of 2005, Geraint Jones, has chosen today to step down as Gloucestershire captain and will retire at the end of the season.
The 38-year-old played 34 Tests and 51 one-day internationals and also played international cricket for the country of his birth, Papua New Guinea. He joined Gloucestershire on a two-year-deal in October last year following a successful loan spell.
"Over the last few weeks I felt there were guys who needed an opportunity and my place in the team was potentially that opportunity," he said.
It wouldn't be an Ashes summer without Test Match Special. So pull on the headphones, or turn up the radio - Aggers and friends are hitting the airwaves on BBC Radio 4 LW, 5 live sports extra and online through a variety of smart devices.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Evan Samuel: Concerned about the work on the pitch - is five days' play for gate receipts more important than the game itself?
Stuart Mitchell: After this series, the series returns to normal in terms of timing. Next home series is 2019. Enjoy it. won't get another for a while.
M E: Cannot wait to see the Stokes/Johnson battle start.
'Summer of sport'
Ever pulled a sporting sickie? I don't advocate such things, but today is the type of day when such thoughts inevitably cross minds.
As Alastair Cook points out: "This is the biggest series you want to play in as a player. With Wimbledon going on, it's a great summer of sport and we want to be part of that."
The good news is that we're here. Just stay glued to this live text all summer and you won't miss a single, slog or sledge. The boss will be following it too - so don't worry about them!
"You don't want England coming out and playing recklessly. The way they played in the one-day series against New Zealand was brilliant but Test cricket is five days and there are times when you do have to knuckle down, fight hard, battle out of a situation.
"A defensive play in Test cricket is just as important as positive at times. If it means seeing off a barrage from Mitchell Johnson you do it but hopefully when Nathan Lyon comes on, the spinner, you have the confidence to get after him a bit, put the pressure back on the bowling side, that's more what Test cricket positivity is about, rather than caning the ball at eight an over."
Go big or the Ashes leave home?
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The big question concerning England is whether they can continue the brand of cricket they showed against New Zealand - the bold, fearless approach where they hit the ball hard and far.
Players like Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali know little different, but can more technical players like Alastair Cook, Gary Ballance and even Ian Bell help the team score at more than four an over?
The Aussies will certainly rack up their runs at a decent lick.
Ashes content galore
If you want something a little meatier in the hour or so before we get under way in Cardiff, you can listen to our special podcast looking at the 'Ashes Propaganda War'.
The Ashes Pub Quiz podcast is also available to download, while you can test your knowledge of the touring Australians here.
"I had a text or two from a member from the England camp yesterday - one of the bowlers - who wasn't very pleased, there is more and more grass coming off. You want some grass, you want some movement.
"A Test match is five days and lasts a long time. The whole idea is that certainly at the start of the match the bowlers have a bit of a chance, but this looks like a pretty lifeless 22-yard strip, which will mean that if somebody does win the game they'll have played well and someone else will probably have played poorly. This has all the makings of quite a slow track."
The two Mitchells
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Of course, Mitchell Johnson has a partner in crime these days - fellow left-arm quick Mitchell Starc.
As Cricinfo eloquently put it in their pre-match preview: "There has not been this much talk of the Mitchells in England since Phil was shot in EastEnders."
Johnson is said to be bowling as quick as ever - knocking Steve Smith onto his backside in the nets. Just what England needed to hear.
What happened last time?
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The last time these two sides met... actually let's not go there.
It was 5-0. Australia were good. Ruthless.
Mitchell Johnson terrified the English batsmen and took 37 wickets in just five matches. Can he have the same impact in England where the pitches are not as hard and bouncy?
"The groundsman has got his mower out again. I don't know how much grass there is to come off this pitch but he's determined to find a bit more to come off."
Pitch report
The pitch has been the cause of plenty of debate in the build-up to this game. What other sport is so obsessed about the length of the grass?
By all accounts, there was plenty of the green stuff on the 22-yard strip earlier in the week but it's been given a close shave by the groundsman in the hours leading up to the start of hostilities.
The thought of England playing two spinners appears to have been shelved.
"This is a series to savour. You don't want the Ashes to come round as regularly as this - it was done to accommodate the World Cup so there was a reason for it, but to come and see the Aussies in their green and gold, it's just a bit different to all the other Test series that we cover. Winning and losing always matters but it really, really matters when you're playing the Australians."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Before I go any further, let me tell you how to get involved in today's live text. You can tweet us, using #bbccricket, send a text to 81111 (remembering to include your name), email tms@bbc.co.uk or post to the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.
What is sledging?
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What is sledging, some of you may ask. Well, it's a uniquely cricketing term which describes the verbals dished out by either side. Or, as some of the young uns might term it... 'bants'.
In the last series between the two sides, which Australia won 5-0, Michael Clarke admits he crossed the line when he told James Anderson to prepare for a "broken arm" at the hands of his fast bowlers.
Or, going further back, when Mark Waugh told James Ormond he was not good enough to play for England. The bowler retorted: "Maybe not, but at least I'm the best player in my own family."
There's plenty more, but they might break the live text swear filters.
Flat batted away
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'Go on the attack'
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Legendary all-rounder Sir Ian Botham also leaves England in no doubt as to how they should tackle the AussiesImage caption: Legendary all-rounder Sir Ian Botham also leaves England in no doubt as to how they should tackle the Aussies
Sledge wars
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The second question we all want to know is: will there be any sledging during this Ashes series? England say not, Australia are playing it down.
Merv Hughes will be turning in his keg.
To bat or bowl first?
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"I'm putting myself in the shoes of Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke as they draw back the curtains in the captains' suites of their respective team hotels.
"Looking up, there's a healthy covering of grey cloud, with just the occasional window of blue, and a steady cool breeze.
"Looking down, there a puddles aplenty bearing evidence of heavy overnight rain and the likelihood of a sodden outfield at the ground.
"Plenty to ponder in advance of the first toss of the 2015 Ashes. You only have to recall Nasser Hussain in Brisbane in 2002 or Ricky Ponting in Edgbaston 2005 to know how these decisions can shape a series."
Weather report
I bet the first thing you want to know is what the weather is like in Cardiff. Well, BBC Weather's Simon King can answer that very query for you:
"It's a cool, cloudy and showery start of play in Cardiff but the good news is that the showers should clear for the start of the day and it'll get brighter as the day goes on. It'll be quite breezy and on the cool side with a maximum temperature of around 18°C.
"The fine summer weather will return tomorrow with lots of sunshine and lighter winds and even though the temperature won't change (18°C), it'll feel much warmer in the sunshine. As for the rest of the Test, there could be the odd shower on Saturday and Sunday but that's still a long way off!"
Prepare for battle
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Morning one and all. Of course, that was a made-up telephone conversation - I don't want any sickly Steves (isn't he a blues singer?!) getting into trouble.
Let's be honest though, we've all got a dose of Ashes fever this morning. It's one of those sporting fevers which can last an entire summer.
There's cricket, then there's the Ashes. One little urn, one gargantuan sporting contest.
Morning
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"Hello... is that the boss? It's Steve here. I've got a raging fever and I doubt I'll be in today. Or the next four days."
"Is this anything to do with the Ashes starting, Wimbledon reaching the quarter-final stage and your penchant for cycling, golf and any other sport which is happening on this sleepy Wednesday?"
Live Reporting
Stephan Shemilt and Marc Higginson
All times stated are UK
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Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Mark Wood, centre, took nine wickets in his debut Test series against New ZealandImage caption: Mark Wood, centre, took nine wickets in his debut Test series against New Zealand 
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Latest PostPost update
After rain, anthems, runs, wickets and not much sledging, the battle for the smallest trophy in cricket is under way.
Have England made the most of their first dig on this Cardiff wicket, or have Australia already done enough damage to hold the upper hand? Tomorrow could have the answers, so join us then.
Post update
And I think that's where we'll leave it, ending the first day of this 2015 Ashes series.
'Hopefully we can score 400-plus'
England batsman Joe Root: "I'm happy to be in the position we are in as team. Hopefully we can kick on in the morning. The longer we can keep them out there, the better it is for us.
"Moeen and Broady are both very capable of scoring big scores - hopefully tomorrow is one of those days where they take it to them and we score 400-plus."
Player's view
Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood, who took 3-70 from 22 overs, on Sky Sports: "The game is fairly level at this stage. Hopefully we can clean them up in the morning.
"We were good in patches. We kept it tight for periods but we leaked a few runs. When Root was batting he played fantastically and we need to find a plan for him.
"The wicket is quite slow and nullifies the short stuff but we tried to keep it full and swinging. The Duke ball is good fun - if you get it in the right areas there is always something there. If they get 40 or 50 more I think that's about par for them."
Post update
More from Joe Root on the pitch, which has been criticised for a lack of pace: "It's a little bit slow. Seeing the first few not carry was a bit of a worry.
"There's a little bit there - there are a few little indentations which could be helpful when we bowl."
Post update
And remember, you can have your say on Root's knock and all things Ashes-related on the BBC Radio 5 live Ashes Social, from 20:00 this evening.
Player's view
England batsman Joe Root, who made 134 off 166 balls, on Sky Sports: "I'm really pleased with the way things have gone. I rode my luck at times, especially early on.
"When they attack, that's the best time to attack them because that's where the gaps are. It's not going to work every time I go out, but fortunately it did today. Hopefully it's the first of a few and not just a one-off."
On the reasons for his brilliant form: "A bit of luck, a lot of hard work and trying to keep everything as simple and as basic as possible. Things just clicked. Sometimes you've got to be the one who stands up and gets the runs."
Post update
And that was that. England close on 343-7. A good day? From 43-3, you would think so, but there's a nagging thought that Australia may sell their wickets much dearer on this placid pitch.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"In the few balls I've seen Broad was watching the ball a bit better and trying like hell to get behind it, that's all you can expect. If he can get through that and the concern he has with fear, he'll make some runs because he has got some talent that lad."
Post update
Stokes sparkled for 52 before getting a beauty from the improving Mitchell Starc. England might have claimed complete honours had they suffered no further losses, but Jos Buttler's tame pat to mid-on meant Stuart Broad had to accompany Moeen Ali to the close.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"If there are any quicker pitches in the series - which I hope there will be - Ballance is going to have problems because he wasn't looking at the ball, but he got a fifty for his own confidence which was really good.
"England have done something about not letting the off-spinner, Nathan Lyon, tie them down and I'm not sure they got it totally right. We can't allow him to hold an end all day but there is a difference between stopping him and trying to whack him out the park all the time."
Post update
But the tea break brought a wicket, that of Ballance, lbw to Hazlewood, ending a stand of 153. Though Root completed a century and found some support from Ben Stokes, Australia would continue to chip away in an entertaining evening session full of runs and wickets.
Post update
In the company of his Yorkshire buddy Gary Ballance, Root rebuilt the England innings with some off-side play of the highest order. As he unfurled cuts and drives, Ballance, all at sea early on, battled through. 102 runs were added in the afternoon session.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Haddin should have got two mitts to that catch off Joe Root, he never looked as if he was going to catch it. Root played marvellously from then on, he took the game away from Australia by being busy, didn't try to slog it, orthodox cricket with nice footwork.
"The Australian bowlers were striving all day for wickets, they bowled a lot of hittable balls with attacking fields even when there was nothing in the pitch and I thought that played into England's hands because there was plenty of room to hit it into the gaps."
Post update
And it could have been even better for Australia. Joe Root, only at the crease for two balls, edges Mitchell Starc behind. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin dives to his right, goes with only one hand and shells the chance. Costly? You betcha.
Post update
It seems a long time ago that Alastair Cook won the toss and opted to bat. Immediately the pitch looked on the slow side, but that didn't stop Australia tearing into England's top order. Adam Lyth caught at gully off Josh Hazlewood, Cook caught behind from the spin of Nathan Lyon, an out-of-sorts Ian Bell pinned leg before by Mitchell Starc. 43-3, 2013-14 all over again.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Been very interesting day, lots of incidents I thought England gave the initiative away. It's a brilliant pitch to negate the two fast bowlers of Australia, slow nothingness so it's easier to play the quick bowlers, perfectly prepared for England."
Close-of-play scorecard
England 343-7 (88 overs)
Batsmen: Moeen 26* (38), Broad 0* (7)
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1), 196-4 (Ballance 61), 280-5 (Root 134), 293-6 (Stokes 52), 343-7 (Buttler 27)
Bowling figures: Starc 19-4-84-3, Hazlewood 22-8-70-3, Johnson 20-2-87-0, Lyon 17-4-54-1, Watson 8-0-24-0, Warner 2-0-9-0
England won toss
Full scorecard
Post update
What to make of all that? There's still time to tweet, text and email your views. We'll be around for a little while longer and Geoffrey Boycott will be here to sum up the day.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I hope tomorrow Broad comes out tomorrow and plays shots. If he stands there and tries to play it he's going to be in trouble. When he goes for it he can hit it miles."
Close of play
Eng 343-7
And that is that. Broad sways away from the final ball, ending the first day of this 2015 Ashes series. England 343-7, a fine recovery from 43-3. However, Australia will be pretty chuffed with taking seven wickets after losing the toss. See-saw, entertaining stuff. Honours even? Maybe don't judge it until Australia have batted.
Eng 343-7
Good from Broad. Could have taken a single and exposed Moeen to the final ball of the day. He turns it down so Moeen is still there tomorrow.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Kendall: Poor from Buttler. Not quite there in Test cricket yet for me. Needs some bigger and better innings.
Eng 343-7 (Moeen 26, Broad 0)
Hazlewood tests out the middle of the deck, Broad plays it with all the certainty of man groping for his car keys in a dark room. Could have gone anywhere, landed safely on the off side. Three balls to go.
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Jan Dekker: All eerily, wearily similar to the last Ashes game at Cardiff. England under-score on placid track..
Eng 343-7
Another waft from Moeen, a man not playing as if it was the last ball of the day. Australia sprint round and get their wish of six more balls at Stuart Broad. Another wicket here and it really will be Australia's day.
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Andrew Lawton: England have lost some wickets at awful times today.
Eng 343-7
Johnson to Moeen, who plays an awful waft outside off stump and is lucky to survive. I wonder if there's any thoughts of Johnson giving Moeen a single in order to have a go at Stuart Broad? Still the trumpeter in Cardiff, but no much other noise. There's some glum faces on the England balcony. Will we get another over in?
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"If England are going to play an aggressive type of cricket I think we have to get used to there being some soft dismissals."
Eng 343-7
Just a thought. For as well as England have competed, they have lost seven wickets on a pretty sluggish deck. If there's no help for the home attack, how many might Australia rack up on this pitch? 343-7 might not be much cop. Remember, England got 400+ in the last Ashes Test here and needed a last-wicket great escape and some rain.
Eng 343-7 (Hazlewood 21-6-70-3)
Stuart Broad the new man. Mitchell Johnson is licking his lips, but will have to wait for his chance. One, maybe two overs left in the day.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Caught mid-on against an opening bowler doesn't usually happen but the lack of pace played into his hands. Buttler was through the shot too early. What that does do is expose the vulnerable English tail."
WICKET
Buttler c Johnson b Hazlewood 27 (Eng 343-7)
Oh, Jos. That really is a poor way to get out. After surviving that lbw shout off Josh Hazlewood, Buttler can only lob the softest of catches to mid-on, where Mitchell Johnson pouches. It's tame, especially with eight minutes to go until the close of play. Cardiff is stunned into silence. Does that mean it's Australia's day?
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Toby Tarrant: Don't want to jinx him but surely there's no better number eight in Test cricket than Big Mo!
Post update
Eng 343-6
YMCA in the crowd as Hazlewood nips one back into Buttler's pads. Big shout, but that's too leggy. No review.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"That pull from Moeen was the kind of shot that drives a stake in the heart of a fast bowler. In front of square for four."
Eng 343-6 (85 overs)
Johnson again, the fast bowler being spoken to by much shorter David Warner. "Hey Mitch, how do I grow a moustache like yours?" Left-armer Johnson round the wicket to left-handed Moeen. Fetch that! Short ball, Moeen swivelling on a pull for the boundary that brings up the 50 partnership. More short stuff, shorter and faster, Moeen deciding that discretion is the better part of valour. Johnson, 19 overs for 87 runs, gives Moeen a volley of verbals. Not the best day for Mitch.
'Will Root become an England great?'
That's just one of the topics which will be debated on the Ashes social on BBC Radio 5 live tonight at 20:00 BST.
Mark Chapman and a special panel of experts will discuss the main talking points of an entertaining opening day in the Ashes...
Want to get involved? Call 0500 909 693, tweet using #bbccricket or text 85058.
Eng 339-6 (Buttler 26, Moeen 22)
The old cliche of the new ball bringing a trickle of runs can be applied here, Buttler driving Hazlewood for a couple then flat-footedly poking an edge wide of the slips for four. Already this stand is worth 45 in only 7.5 overs. Shadows lengthening in Cardiff, we're deep into over-time. Can England make it through without further damage? Mitchell Starc is back out there, asking umpire Marais Erasmus for the time. Is that 'how long before I can bowl?' or 'how much longer do I have to field for?'
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"It's been a good day of Test cricket. If England can get through this last 20 minutes for no further loss they'd be very happy with the day. One more wicket brings Stuart Broad to the crease and he might have a few memories from Australia where he seemed to be jumping around the crease. We'll see where he's at with his batting."
Eng 329-6 (Johnson 18-1-82-0)
Johnson sees the ball swing into Buttler, so posts a leg slip. Buttler sees the ball into his pads, so bullets the new conker through mid-wicket for a couple. When Johnson again errs, Buttler does the same again, much to the delight of a Cardiff crowd that has finally swung into full voice after a very sedate morning. I'm told that the close will be 18:45 or in seven overs' time, whichever comes first.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"England have scored quickly, to go at just under four an over is pretty handy. The way Root and Stokes batted increased the scoring rate and that's what we want to see, good positive Test cricket."
Eng 324-6 (Moeen 20, Buttler 14)
You know what, this has a very similar feeling to the first day of the 2009 Cardiff Test, when England reached 336-7. They were all out for 435, before Australia racked up nearly 700. We all know how it ended.
Lovely evening in Wales, plenty of sunshine and a few eyeing a trip to one of the city's watering holes this evening, I fancy. Hazlewood with the new nut, swinging it back in to the pads of Moeen, who pounces on some width with a wonderful cover drive for four.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"There have been a couple of balls that have been a little up and down, which is not a good sign on day one for the team batting last."
Eng 320-6 (Buttler 14, Moeen 14)
Three slips, a gully and a short leg as Johnson steams in to Moeen. I say steams in, but this sluggish pitch looks likely to nullify his sizzling pace. Johnson is up above 85mph, but the hard, new ball is bouncing twice on the way through to Brad Haddin. When Johnson drop short, Moeen has all the time to hook for a single. That wouldn't have been case on a trampoline at the Waca.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"It's been a tough day for Mitchell Johnson, who promised so much after the way he bowled against England in Australia last time, but I think he's bowled quite well on a wicket that doesn't suit his style of bowling. I've seen enough to show that if you get on a quicker wicket he is going to be a handful."
New ball
Eng 319-6
New ball has been taken, in the hands of Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell Starc is also back on the field. Or is he? He's going off again. Make your mind up, Mitchell.
Not out
Eng 316-6
Yep, miles too high, but Moeen won't have liked that. We've had 80 overs, so the new ball is now due. As I said, Australia also get their reviews topped up to two. Daft rule.
Umpire review
Eng 316-6
Poor leave from Moeen, but looks too high from Josh Hazlewood. Australia might as well review, they get two more in one ball's time...
Post update
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"There's a boozy buzz in the Cardiff air. The Aussie fans, so quiet for so long as Root and Ballance dominated, have found their voice, while England's supporters are cheering every run in this fledgling stand between Moeen and Buttler. Can they see off the new ball and ensure England end the day with their noses in front?"
Eng 316-6 (Buttler 11, Moeen 15)
The crowd are cheering Johnson to the crease. You know the type, the sort a goalkeeper gets when taking a goal-kick. There's plenty of lubricated fans singing that song song too. The one with the naughty word at the end. Nothing near Buttler's stumps, then a bouncer that the England keeper would need a ladder to reach. That's more fuel for the baying fans, who are cockahoop when Buttler edges for four.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"It's been good cricket, runs scored, wickets falling. Joe Root has definitely impressed. There has been a lot of people talking him up but he went out there and performed."
Eng 312-6
With Starc off the pitch, Mitchell Johnson is on. There are 12 overs left in the day, but they have to be bowled by 18:40, I believe. We might lose a couple.
Scorecard update
England 312-6 (78 overs)
Batsmen: Buttler 7* (10), Moeen 15* (9)
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1), 196-4 (Ballance 61), 280-5 (Root 134), 293-6 (Stokes 52)
Bowling figures: Starc 19-4-84-3, Hazlewood 17-5-57-2, Johnson 15-1-69-0, Lyon 17-4-54-1, Watson 6-0-19-0, Warner 2-0-9-0
England won toss
Full scorecard
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Most of this middle order play freely and there is a definite intent to make sure Lyon doesn't tie them down. Moeen is a natural player and they are better doing it their natural way. They'll be conscious the new ball is due and it will be more difficult."
Eng 312-6 (Buttler 7, Moeen 15)
At the end of that over, Starc went straight to the dressing room. Touch of cramp? Maybe a dodgy hammy? Never mind that, England are continuing the charge, Moeen Ali belting Nathan Lyon over mid-wicket for six. It's been see-saw, even, entertaining stuff. Bodes well for the other 24 days of this series.
Eng 304-6 (Starc 19-4-84-3)
This game is bang in the balance, England under the pump with the new ball looming. The hosts can take solace from the fact they have a very good batsman at number eight, with Moeen Ali taking guard. Replays of that Stokes dismissal make Starc's delivery look even better, with the send-off doing more than any words could. Moeen is surrounded, maybe with the short ball in mind, but he's away with a couple of twos and a three. 300 up for England.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"That's a pretty good ball with a ball 76 overs old. It moved a long way, even first up this morning you would say that was a good conker, to do it with a 76 over old ball is impressive."
WICKET
Stokes b Starc 52 (Eng 293-6)
Bowled him! Mitchell Starc gets Ben Stokes with an absolute rozzer. Pitched up, swinging away, squaring Stokes up and taking the off stump. Starc has not bowled well today, but has improved in the evening and is now doing his bit to put Australia on top. He even gives Stokes a finger-on-lips send-off. Is this day edging back towards Australia?
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Ben Stokes has played very well, he's got a good eye, good attitude, like a Richie Benaud or an Alan Davidson, he takes the game to the opposition."
50 for Ben Stokes
Eng 293-5
You just wonder how big an impact Ben Stokes might have on this Ashes series. There's a big tradition of England all-rounders making their mark on home Ashes series. Stokes cuts Nathan Lyon to move to a 75-ball half-century, his third in Test cricket. Coming in at a relatively sticky time, Stokes has been true to his attacking instincts.
Dictionary corner
Text 81111
Barry Webster asked via Twitter for someone to invent a word that describes what it feels like to drop someone and then watch them make a big score...
Olly: "Melan-dolly".
BeauB: How about 'Fumblemare' for a dropped catch that leads to a big score?
Neil Hunsworth: A drop preceding a century? Gotta be a Fluff Daddy.
Eng 287-5
This is good from Starc, a series of full away-swingers followed by an in-swinger that dips back in to Stokes' pads. The Aussies think about an appeal, but I suspect there's an inside edge. A good passage from Australia.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Michael Allen: Just clearing out the portable barbecue ready for the weekend and dropped it on the lawn. Know how Haddin must feel. Just dropped the ashes.
Close!
Eng 285-5
Ooofff, half a chance from Ben Stokes, a thick edge off the bowling of Mitchell Starc, flying over Steve Smith at third slip and away for four. That's bounced much more than most have today. A slice of luck for Stokes.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Australia's bowling has not been good, there has not been enough discipline and patience on a pitch where it is not easy to get wickets. They have to get it really spot on with the new ball, they don't have a lot of margin for error."
Eng 281-5 (Stokes 43, Buttler 0)
Still Australia ring the changes in a sun-soaked Cardiff, Nathan Lyon on to tweak his offies at the left-handed Ben Stokes. Round the wicket to the sound of the trumpet, the spindly Lyon takes some advice from gloveman Haddin. What's the keeper said? If it was "Nathan, bowl a wide half-tracker that Stokes can cut for a single", then the plan worked a treat.
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Tom Audsley: What an innings by Joe Root there. Best batsmen in the England side by a mile at the moment.
Eng 280-5 (Starc 17-4-67-2)
Looking again, that delivery was quite wide, with Root reaching for it. He probably didn't need to play, but a man with 134 to his name is perhaps entitled to have a dart. Jos Buttler is the new man with the game back in the balance. Can England get through the new ball and to the close with minimal losses?
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It was a bit wide but you can't complain when somebody bats as well as that all day. He got a big slice of luck - it was a terrible drop by Haddin - but he took his chance he gave the innings momentum, he's been busy, not hitting fours and sixes but busy scoring, increasing the pressure on the bowlers.
"He's got England to a wonderful position. I know it's an easy pitch but all you can do is take the position as it is and play well on it and he's played superbly."
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"Just what Australia wanted with that new ball only eight overs away."
WICKET
Root c Watson b Starc 134 (Eng 280-5)
Where did that come from? Out of nothing, Australia have the wicket that so desperately craved, that of century-maker Joe Root. Root has driven so well today, but a drive too many ends with an edge to the hands of Shane Watson at slip. Mitchell Starc is the bowler, but there's not much of a celebration. Still, Australia have a crucial breakthrough before the second new ball.
Unhappy Aussie
You fly your son from Australia to England, give him a week off school and buy him a replica shirt and he's still not happy...
Eng 280-4 (partnership 84)
Still David Warner and his, erm, medium-pace. Not much of a moustache on Warner's face. You know that episode of Blackadder when Baldrick balances a slug on his top lip? It's like that. England are milking this, they are well and truly on top. 43-3 seems a lifetime ago. At the minute, the next big challenge is the new ball.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Australia have bowled poorly today. Apart from the odd six or seven over periods, but Root has put them under that much pressure, he has been hitting good balls for runs."
Eng 274-4 (Root 133, Stokes 37)
Joe Root had a touch of treatment on his back during the break. It seemed to consist of a burly man sitting on him and trying to snap him in two. Ten overs until the new ball, Watson trundling in, puffing out his cheeks as he starts the endless trudge back to his mark. Hint of swing, no pace or bounce, Stokes adding three through mid-wicket.
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A Question of Sport Teaser
Earlier, we asked who are the five cricketers whose first name is Adam to play Test cricket for England or Australia?
Did you get them all? They were Adam Dale, Adam Hollioake, Adam Lyth, Adam Voges and Adam Gilchrist.
I know what you're thinking... who's Adam Dale? Well, he played two Test matches in the late nineties and took six wickets at 31.
Punter on part-timers
Ricky Ponting, speaking on Sky Sports, says he hated facing part-time bowlers like David Warner - adding that it made him more nervous than facing the best bowlers in the team. He adds that he was never more nervous than facing his childhood hero David Boon in a game between Australia and Australia A.
Drinks break
Eng 271-4
As usual, Warner is greeted by the theme from Rocky. I suspect England fans will never forget the incident with Joe Root in a Birmingham bar. To be fair to Warner, he's bowling straighter than most of his colleagues, well enough to make a batsman nervous about getting out to him. Time for drinks.
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"We'll see if Warner's bowling packs a punch."
Eng 269-4
What's going on here? A surprise from Michael Clarke, chucking the ball to David Warner. Warner has previously bowled some leg-breaks, but here he's going to bowl some medium-pace.
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Bobbie Hough: Can we just start every innings at 40-3 and get to the bit where Root rides to the rescue? It'd save the emotional turmoil.
Ben Stone: Beauty of Ashes - each day feels like could go either way. On brink of being a good one for either side depending on next hr.
Avram Liebenau: Watching #TheAshes with my American cousin who's never seen cricket before, he already prefers it to baseball.
Eng 267-4 (partnership 71)
Australia now resorting to dirty tactics, pinning Ben Stokes on the knee with a throw as the England all-rounder completes a single. He hits the deck, but seems OK. Just one slip now for Stokes, with a man almost standing on the track at short mid-off. More leggy stuff from Watson, causing Haddin to dive to take the ball. I wonder if the keeper will be giving his bowlers a rocket later on? "If you can't bowl straight, I'm going to stick this ball..."
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Wonderful day for England, in particular Joe Root. He keeps playing these innings where I think that's the best hundred I've seen - he keeps going up a level. His maneuvering of the ball into the gaps, even his defensive shots look as through they will go for runs. He's got the cut shot, the pull shot, he's got everything covered at this stage."
Eng 265-4 (Root 129, Stokes 33)
Lovely evening in Cardiff now, far removed from the wet morning. Starc strives for the crease as Billy the Barmy Army trumpeter gives us a verse of Waltzing Matilda. Oh, that's village from Starc, down the leg side, giving old man Brad Haddin little chance to prevent four byes. The Aussie seamers haven't been kind to their keeper today. Then again, Haddin did drop Root off Starc.
Scorecard update
England 257-4 (67 overs)
Batsmen: Root 126* (156), Stokes 32* (41)
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1), 196-4 (Ballance 61)
Bowling figures: Starc 15-3-63-1, Hazlewood 17-5-57-2, Johnson 15-1-69-0, Lyon 14-4-39-1, Watson 6-0-19-0
England won toss
Full scorecard
Eng 257-4 (partnership 61)
Australia have 14 overs to wait until the new ball is available, an hour's cricket that could be a very long time if Root and Stokes remain together. Shane Watson, usually the model of accuracy, goes too wide and is slashed through point by Stokes for four. Watson stares and has his revenge by one that seams back to get Stokes in the bread basket. England won't mind signs of life in this deck - they will have to take 20 wickets to win this match.
How's Stat?!
Eng 253-4 (66 overs)
More Aussie changes, Mitchell Starc trying his luck from the River Taff End. Despite England's serene progress, Cardiff remains fairly respectful, engrossed in the cricket, rather than having a party in the crowd. There's all summer left to celebrate, no point going too soon. Good from Starc, a toe-seeking yorker forcing Root to jam down.
Yorkshire beat Warwickshire
It's all coming up (white) roses for Yorkshire at the moment. Not only have Root and Ballance pulled England back from the brink of disaster but in their absence their county side have notched up another impressive victory to stay top of the County Championship. They have just bowled Warwickshire out for 259 in their second innings to win at by 174 runs at Edgbaston.
Former England seamer Ryan Sidebottom took 11 wickets in the match for Yorkshire, who now have a 24-point lead in Division One, having played a game less than second-placed Middlesex.
Eng 251-4 (Root 124, Stokes 28)
Indeed Shane Watson is summoned to trundle his medium-pacers, looking fairly hacked off at the prospect. Then again, I'm not sure I'd be keen to send the leather down at 80mph if my body was held together by piano wire. Watson, harder to mover than a wardrobe, drops short to Root, who cuts for three.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Stokes is going to be one of these players who will benefit from the Trevor Bayliss 'freedom from oppression.'"
Eng 248-4 (Root 121, Stokes 28)
Apologies for the odd typo that appears in the scores. I know it causes heart attacks across the nation. Only human and all that. One tweeter, a Dan McCarthy, has just got in touch to point out a mistake, but didn't spell my name correctly. The irony. Stokes down the track to Lyon, four in the air that almost had mid-on interested. When Stokes cuts for another four, it brings up the 50 partnership in only 10.2 overs.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"What a day, at 40-3 Australia would have been cock-a-hoop. Three or fours later England are in control. The Aussies will be getting tired but the game is still in the balance, there is certainly no room for resting on their laurels for England."
Eng 240-4 (27 overs remain)
Are honours still about even? Another wicket or two and Australia on top? Anything north of 300 for four or five mean it will be England's day? At slip, Shane Watson goes through the most torturous warm-up routine. He should be ready to go at about lunchtime tomorrow. Watson would be in the Immobile XI, along with Inzamam and Arjuna Ranatunga. Root driving again, giving the man on the cover boundary some work.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Poetry in motion from Stokes, lovely sashay down the wicket, and the Aussies have been saved from a wet ball by the TV gantry - it hit that. In a county game it would have been swimming in the River Taff."
Eng 236-4 (Root 117, Stokes 20)
The trumpeter plays a solo as the retired Ryan Harris sits on the Aussie balcony making his way through an ice cream. Come to think of it, every picture I've seen of Harris since he retired has been of him eating. Enjoy it, Rhino. Stokes down the track to Lyon, chipping over short cover. Here he comes again. It's huge, massive! Straight as you like, another maximum. Lyon is lucky he's not fetching that from the River Taff.
A bit of Fry and Laurie
Eng 229-4 (Root 116, Stokes 14)
The sun plays a little hide and seek as Root purposely guides Starc between second slip and gully to the vacant third man area for four. The wind blows Starc's shirt as one voice from crowd aims some abuse at Michael Clarke. Unprintable stuff. Australia are forced to drop point deeper for Root, with Starc then spraying the ball down the leg side when Stokes comes on strike. Haddin looks indignant, Clarke puts his head in his hands. Disquiet in the camp? Australia not quite as good as we thought they might be?
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Lyon has bowled nicely, he would have been nervous after Chelmsford (1-200) the last thing you want is games where you are expecting to do well and getting tonked."
Eng 224-4 (Lyon (12-4-24-1)
The shaven-headed Nathan Lyon spins himself a catch then sets off on his hop, skip and jump run-up. Round the wicket to Stokes, who almost has short leg interested with an inside edge. Just noting what Sam Sheringham tells us below, now is about the time of day when those have been on the sauce get vocal. Not too rowdy, yet. Plenty of chat going Stokes's way from the Aussies, mind.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
It has taken two and a bit sessions, but the Barmy Army have finally felt brave enough to dust off the Mitchell Johnson song. You know the one, "He bowls to the left, he bowls the right, That Mitchell Johnson, his bowling is...."
Eng 224-4 (Root 111, Stokes 14)
Australia continue to ring the changes, one left-armed Mitchell replacing another. Here comes Starc, over the wicket in the evening sun. Overpitched, Root playing yet another cover drive for four. When the Australia fielders go to sleep tonight, they will have nightmares about endlessly chasing Joe Root drives to the off-side boundary.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Joe Root has scored seven Test centuries before the age of 25. Among England players, only Alastair Cook managed more - nine."
Eng 219-4 (57 overs)
Indeed it is Lyon, twirling his off-breaks as a lady in the crowd gets stuck into some knitting. I wonder what makes someone think that knitting is an essential part of the gear for a Test match. "Ticket, check. Sandwiches, check. Keys, got them. Ooofff, almost forgot my knitting. I'd have looked silly without that." Decent maiden from Lyon.
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K_Mehmi88: There isn't a better batsman than Joe Root in the world at present in any form of cricket.
Kieran Milward: More, just wonderful batting from Joe Root. Present and future.
Rich: Joe Root is absolutely everything that any aspiring sportsman should aim to be.
Eng 219-4
Joe Root has called for the physio, taking a couple of pills. It gives Australia time to prepare for the spin of Nathan Lyon.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"There has been so much talk about sledging but then we get a benign wicket and I don't think there has been anything said by either team."
Eng 219-4 (Root 107, Stokes 13)
With Stokes at the crease, one would think we are about to find out about the spirit this series may be played in. If anyone is likely to wind up the Aussies, it will be the flame-haired all-rounder from Durham. Also, any battle between Johnson and Stokes all centres around who has the better arm tattoos. There's some ink between these boys. A slash from Stokes, the ball whistles to the point boundary. A perplexed Johnson strokes his mo.
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Neel: "What an innings by Joe Root!!!! Got England back in game!
Stuart Mitchell: Roooooooooooooooooot!! GET IN! Haddin must really be Rungretting that drop now.
Seba Rua: Way to go, Joe! That Root fella, is he some sort of deity? How many times has he saved England's bacon?
Eng 215-4
Seatbelts. A Johnson bouncer, a top-edged hook from Stokes, six over the keeper's head. I suspect it's about to get tasty.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"Root has had a little bit of luck, but he's definitely made Australia pay. He hasn't mucked around - he's got on with it. The Australian bowling has helped him but it has been quality batting."
Eng 209-4
That 118-ball ton is also England's sixth fastest in Ashes cricket. He's not looking like finishing yet, driving Hazlewood through mid-on for four. Looking at his wagon wheel, you can see he's scored about 70% of his runs on the off side - cuts and drives. Remember, he was dropped on nought. A penny for Brad Haddin's thoughts.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Joe Root's century took 118 balls. That's the fastest century in the first Test of an Ashes series."
100 for Joe Root
Eng 203-4
Whatever you're doing, stop. Stand and applaud Joe Root's century. This has been a wonderful hundred, his second in Ashes cricket and made in the most difficult circumstances. Remember, he arrived with the score at 43-3. He goes to a seventh Test ton with a wonderful cover drive, the sort he has played all day long. He punches the air, the crowd chant "Roooooot", then sing 'Hey Jude' with his name substituted in.
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Terry, County Durham: Is that the most subtle commentator's curse EVER? Agnew says 'the balance changes' and next post Ballance changes ... From in to out.
Dec: The Aussies have un-ballanced us now. Shocking pun, I'll leave.
Eng 199-4 (Root 97, Stokes 3)
Stokes faces up to Johnson - you may remember these two had a few exchanges during the last series down under, when Stokes announced himself to the world. Johnson in the Welsh sunshine, three slips and a gully, Stokes' feet not moving freely yet. Just thinking about this pair having previous - is there anyone Stokes doesn't have previous with? Johnson, Marlon Samuels, a locker...
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Gary Ballance was out there for 149 balls, hit eight fours and batted for 227 minutes."
Eng 199-4 (Hazlewood 16-5-47-2)
Gary Ballance will be wondering how he missed that. Hazlewood was coming round the wicket. If anything it swung a touch, but it was pretty much straight. Ballance played slightly across it and replays show it would have clattered middle and leg. Ben Stokes, so explosive, is the new man. You sense this is a crucial time. This pair could take the game from Australia, but another wicket or two would have the Aussies bang on top. Joe Root, remember, is still on 97.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"It just angled in with a little bit of swing from round the wicket. I honestly thought they were going to refer that but it was thudding in to middle and leg so it was a good decision not to. He was behind the crease, he didn't look to get forward, but 61 with the form he has been in he'd have been pleased with. So your prediction of 250 is back on!"
WICKET
Ballance lbw Hazlewood 61 (Eng 196-4)
Australia have the breakthrough! Josh Hazlewood has done the trick and Gary Ballance is the man to go, the end of the huge stand with Joe Root. Facing his third ball after the break, Ballance is pinned in front by a very full ball from Hazlewood, who has been Australia's best seamer. Ballance thinks about reviewing, but then trudges off. It was straight, almost yorker length, hitting Ballance on the back leg. Stone dead.
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"It's interesting how the game changes, the balance changes. Michael Vaughan said this morning a competitive score would be 250 - and that seemed a long way away."
Eng 194-3 (Ballance 59, Root 97)
He still looks like same Mitchell Johnson - dark hair, moustache, prowling run-up. The pace is there too - there or thereabouts of 90mph. The radar has been awry, though. And, apart from pinning Gary Ballance on the arm, the menace has been, well, less menacing. Both he and Mitchell Starc have conceded more than four runs an over. Two slips and gully, loose drive from Joe Root gets only fresh air. Another uppish drive this time gets willow and four through point. Root to 97...
Dictionary corner
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Barry Webster asked via Twitter for someone to invent a word that describes what it feels like to drop someone and then watch them make a big score...
Brian Rea: How about a 'Downton'?
Sam Charman: I'd suggest 'Drotted' a portmanteau of 'Dropped' and 'Gutted'. Context "I felt drotted when he made a century".
Ian Smith: Dropression.
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By the way, there are 38 overs remaining in the day, so one would suspect we'll be playing until 18:30 BST. The first of those will be bowled by Mitchell Johnson, who's been well below his devastating, 2013-14 best.
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Did I say it was grey in Cardiff? Pah! It's cracking the flags. Blue sky, the odd fluffy cloud. New coach Trevor Bayliss sits on the England balcony, unmatching white hat and blue tracksuit as if they haven't quite nailed his kit yet. The players are back out, with Joe Root hunting a hundred.
Dictionary corner
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Just a few minutes ago, Barry Webster asked via Twitter for someone to invent a word that describes what it feels like to drop someone and then watch them make a big score...
Stephen: Drop and then go onto score big? Droplosion.
Ewan Grunwald: Distr-caught.
Steven F. Galloway: Rungret? - as in, boy, Haddin must really rungret dropping Root.
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Thanks, Marc. At 43-3, it was looking like the start of a long old summer for England. Now, a slightly grey Wednesday in Cardiff is looking their best day of Ashes cricket since, well, when?
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England in some form of control, then. Don't let this slip, Stephan Shemilt...
'That's not true - he's the messy one'
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Wondering what Root and Balance are talking about between overs? Could be their time as housemates when they were coming through the ranks at Yorkshire.
"I sat down with them last year for a chinwag and heard tales of oversleeping, practical jokes and dirty dishes. Apparently Root cooks a mean spicy prawn dish, while Ballance is a dab hand at steak, egg and chips. Gents, if you keep batting like this, the restaurateurs of Cardiff will be queuing up to cook you up a treat."
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Barry Webster: Someone should invent a word that fittingly describes what it feels like to drop someone and then watch them make a big score.
I like it, Barry. There's your challenge this afternoon everyone...
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Really good session for England, the Yorkie pair of Ballance and Root are together for England doing a wonderful job. Root had that slice of luck and has made the most of it, he has looked in impeccable form.
"It's the way he's finding the gaps and putting the ball to the boundary. He has been a nice foil to Gary Ballance, who can just bat, try to occupy the crease and wear the opposition down."
Tea scorecard
England 190-3
Batsmen: Ballance 59* (147), Root 93* (110)
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1)
Bowling figures: Starc 11-3-47-1, Hazlewood 15-5-42-1, Johnson 12-0-55-0, Lyon 10-2-24-1, Watson 4-0-12-0
England won toss
Full scorecard
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Kendall: Ballance has played perfectly. He knows Root is the form man, he knows he's not in the best nick, but looks after his wicket.
Luke Pellett: This England team is just so much more likable than the 2013 vintage.
Jordan Davies: Joe Root and Gary Ballance, good job lads. But remember, a job half done isn't done. So let's go massive.
How's stat?!
Eng 190-3
Joe Root has taken it to the Australians today - taking 24 runs off the 18 balls he has faced against Mitchell Johnson.
Eng 190-3
Joe Root takes tea on 93, with almost a third of those runs (30) coming through the cover region. A sign of a master at work.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"There was a period before lunch when I felt Michael Clarke over attacked too much. There were too many runs coming quickly when England had been in trouble. If he'd just kept it a bit tighter then I thought it would have been smarter because if the bowlers didn't get it right there was room to pick them off."
Eng 190-3
Joe Root and Gary Ballance - England's engine room - march off smiling after plundering 102 runs in 29 overs during that afternoon session. England are well chuffed with this, as they might say in Yorkshire.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"England have done remarkably well to score at 3.7 on this kind of surface. The Australians have bowled quite a few short balls which is exactly what you're looking for."
Tea - Eng 190-3
Josh Hazlewood is everything which England want Steven Finn to become. He's always in the game and as Ricky Ponting remarks on television, is trying to drag Joe Root forward. That's easier said than done against a back-foot player though. A single for young Joe and that, ladies and gentlemen, is tea.
How's stat?!
Eng 189-3 (Root 92, Ballance 59)
The Aussies look a little flat out there. Mitchell Johnson's Test bowling average in England is now above 40 (23 wickets in eight matches, which includes two games against Pakistan in 2010).
David Warner stands with his shoulders slumped at point and Gary Ballance is growing in stature at the crease, working two to long leg.
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Owen Riley: Another supreme drive from Joe Root. (Retweet every two overs or so to save ink.)
Nick Rink: Yorks appear to be doing quite well against Australia this afternoon, which is tough to say as a Lancastrian.
Arron Sankey: 'Root and Ballance' sounds like a terrible dance music duo.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"That dropped catch by Brad Haddin could be a key moment in the series. If Joe Root had walked back in that dressing room having scored nought all the bad memories could have come back but now he can score a hundred."
Eng 187-3 (Root 92, Ballance 57)
This is lovely and sedate from England's point of view. Nothing silly, they are in control of the game and laying a platform for the strokemakers to come. If Mitchell Johnson has caused Gary Ballance the most problems, it's fair to say Joe Root has not relished dealing with some of Josh Hazlewood's nippy seamers. He plays out a maiden.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"You think about some of the deliveries Johnson bowled against England in Australia - this is not in the same bracket. It dies in the pitch whereas at the Gabba it seemed to increase in pace."
Eng 187-3 (run-rate 3.82)
Coming round the wicket, Mitchell Johnson continues to play some chin music for the left-handed Gary Ballance. Dropping to 87mph in pace, however, he is soon whipped through the leg side for four by an increasingly confident GB.
Michael Clarke and Shane Watson chat to each other in the slips. "Got any names for the baby yet, Mike?"
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The Aussies are a quality team because even if there is a big partnership their attack is good enough to then take three or four quickly, so this partnership has to be a really good one. A 200 or 250 stand can win you the game."
Eng 183-3
Here comes Mitchell Johnson. Again.
Eng 183-3 (Root 92, 12 fours)
Australia give Josh Hazlewood a pre-tea burst with the ball and he is able to hit a 50 pence piece straight away. Metronomical. Five dots but then he drops short and is clattered to the square fence through the off side by Joe Root. He's into the nineties now.
Cardiff crowd savours Ashes action
Are you there, Bruce?
Is your Australian friend at the Test today? Chances are they are in this picture.
Eng 179-3 (partnership 136)
Gary Ballance raises his bat after reaching his fifty, then carries on where he left off. A few good leaves off Mitchell Starc, who is capable of match-winning bursts. Unfortunately for Australia, he's not having that effect at the moment.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The only real trouble Ballance was in was when Mitchell Johnson went round the wicket and got two or three that hit him and ballooned just wide of short leg."
50 for Ballance off 127 balls
Eng 179-3
Mitchell Starc to Gary Ballance, and the left-hander plays a characteristic square drive to the boundary to bring up his sixth half-century in 14 Tests. Pressure? What pressure?
Eng 174-3 (46 overs - 44 remain)
Gary Ballance picks off Shane Watson for two through mid-wicket but resists the temptation to go hard for the single which would bring up his half-century.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The combination of Ballance and Root has been a really good one. Ballance has just gone about his business, not tried to do anything out of his comfort zone, and at the other end Root is scoring at nearly a run a ball, which has taken the pressure off Ballance."
Eng 172-3 (Starc 10-1-42-1)
Joe Root is playing some beautiful cover drives today, as he guides Mitchell Starc through the off side and to the boundary. Textbook stuff. An exaggerated leave from the right-hander later in the over rubs salt into the bowler's sores.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"It's not a happy hunting ground for Australia here. They have played five one-day internationals - won one and lost four - and two first-class games, both of which were drawn."
Eng 166-3
Mitchell Starc back into the attack. First ball... four byes.
The crowd sing "Are you Johnson in disguise?". Witty.
Eng 162-3 (Ballance 47, Root 81)
Joe Root heeds the warning of his close shave and uses his feet, Patrick Swayze-like, to shimmy down the wicket and punt a single down the ground.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It would be wonderful if it was like at Lord's two years ago when Brad Haddin dropped Joe Root and he went on to make 180. Then at the end of the day he can say 'thank you Brad, it was very kind of you to do it again'."
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Tom Fordyce
Chief sports writer at Cardiff
"Blue skies gradually winning the battle with the Cardiff clouds, and as the temperatures climb, the more the traditional aromas of an Ashes Test - lager, suncream, salted crisps/peanuts and fresh sweat - fill the Welsh air."
Eng 157-3
Nathan Lyon continues to give the ball a rip and is finding decent bounce. From one such delivery the ball flies to Steve Smith at short leg who grasses it. The Aussies have it down as a dropped catch. On closer inspection, I don't think it was. Replays don't appear to show a nick.
Eng 157-3 (Ballance 44, Root 79)
A trigger movement from Gary Ballance as he moves across to Shane Watson then ducks under a bouncer. A loopy inducker almost fools Gary Ballance, who then chases a wide one. It's all very steady out there at the moment.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
OptaJim: 16 - Since Joe Root's debut in Dec 2012 England have recorded 37 Test century partnerships; he has been involved in 16 of them. Fulcrum.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"People wonder why it takes so long for the ground to fill up after an interval. Part of the reason is this - bottlenecks in the gangways and the need to wait until the end of an over to file back in. That and the temptation of 40 winks in the sunshine by the River Taff of course..."
Eng 154-3 (run-rate: 3.67)
Australia have their holding bowlers on here. They are biding their time, hoping to pounce on any little mistake these two Yorkies make. Joe Root is given a fright when he comes down the pitch to Nathan Lyon and Brad Haddin almost runs him out with help from Adam Voges at short leg.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Joe has to be careful here he's scoring so quickly, he's comfortable, but Watson is one of those bowlers that suck you in, teasing you. They break partnerships and get people to do silly things"
Eng 152-3 (Root 77 off 82)
Shane Watson spoils an over which is on the money by spearing four byes down the leg side. He then pitches up and is creamed through the covers for four more by Joe Root. Go fetch.
Watson, incidentally, gets out good batsmen. Of his 75 Test wickets, 61 one of them are top-order players.
Text 81111
Mike in Buenos Aires: Sneakily checking live text during independence assembly in Argentine school I am working in. Treading carefully but cricket session booked in on Fridays and budding Messis around me would love a Root ton.
Eng 144-3 (Lyon 8-2-17-1)
A towel hanging out of the back of his trousers, Nathan Lyon continues to exert control for Australia with steady off-spin. Gary Ballance plays back four dots following a Joe Root single.
How's stat?!
Eng 143-3 (Root 72 off 74)
Shane Watson nibbles the ball this way and that, but Gary Ballance isn't biting. Just three from the over.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"The century partnership from 144 balls. It's the sixth time Ballance and Root have batted together in Test cricket and their third century partnership."
Eng 143-3 (run-rate: 3.70)
Australia crank up Shane Watson for a bowl. Looking every day of his injury-hit 34 years as he ambles to the delivery crease, he drops short and Joe Root helps himself to three in the off side. That's the 100 partnership.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It's not conducive to anything it's a nothingness pitch in cricket terms, nobody is queuing up to bowl on it. You can't bounce them out because it comes off slow, it rarely turns and if it does it is so slow you can watch it. It's bottom of the Test grounds we have, it doesn't give anything for anybody."
Eng 140-3 (partnership 97)
Strong Yorkshire, strong England. We've heard a lot about that recently, but these two batsman from the white rose county are holding England together here. While Joe Root is busy and pugnacious, Gary Ballance is more obdurate but no less effective.
Old foes
What do you reckon is being discussed here?
"Honestly Michael. That was lbw at the Gabba in 2001.
"Give over, it was not out Glenn."
Scorecard update
England 139-3
Batsmen: Ballance 41 (96), Root 68 (70).
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1)
Bowling figures: Starc 9-3-36-1, Hazlewood 12-4-37-1, Johnson 10-0-49-0, Lyon 6-2-15-1
England won toss
Full scorecard
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"The worry for Gary is he's not looking at the ball, he's been hit a couple of times and when he gets on a quicker pitch against Johnson it is going to be very different. Your chances of survival as a batsman if you're not looking at the ball are very slim."
Drinks break
Eng 139-3 (Johnson 10-0-49-0)
Does Gary Ballance owe Mitchell Johnson a tenner? Every ball is directed at the body. Over the wicket and round the wicket, he is peppered. He's still there though. Drinks.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"The best of the Australian bowlers has been Hazlewood, he's the one that doesn't try to swing it, he just tries to hit the seam. Starc and Johnson haven't got the right length.
"A lot of it can be attributed to the Dukes ball, it is very different than they are used to - it feels smaller in the hand and each has its own personality."
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Eng 138-3
Mitchell Johnson charges in to Joe Root and is cracked back down the ground for four. 86mph and dispatched with interest.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
David Townend: It's finely balanced add two wickets to the score and Australia on top add 100 runs and England on top. Proper Test match.
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Eng 134-3 (Ballance 41, Root 63)
The TV rev counter tells us that Nathan Lyon is giving it a rip out there, and he's certainly keeping a lid on England. They are barely taking any runs off him.
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Eng 130-3
By the skin of his teeth - and the fact that ball was pitching outside leg - Joe Root lives to fight another day.
Umpire review
Eng 130-3
England aren't blazing their way to a total here, but they are digging in. Joe Root unfurls a glorious cover drive to Nathan Lyon which brings four, but then misses a fairly straight one and a decent appeal is turned down. Australia review it.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Oz: Fair play to Gary Ballance. Clearly struggling for form but battling on very well...
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Ballance doesn't know whether to stick or twist with the short ball, he's not comfortable pulling anyway."
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Eng 125-3 (35 overs)
Joe Root admits the bowler's done him when he gets an inside edge to Mitchell Johnson which narrowly evades his stumps and runs for four. Smile and nod, Joe.
The final ball of the over hits Gary Ballance on the arm and the ball is pouched by short leg. That'll bruise, Gary.
How's stat?!
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Eng 120-3 (Lyon 5-2-7-1)
Pace at one end, spin at the other. A true test of a batsman's mettle.
Nathan Lyon is also coming round the wicket to Gary Ballance, who inhales sharply after one particular forward press. Not much spin for the balding Lyon to fall back on. Not yet, anyway.
Tips from 'Whispering Death'
Michael Holding, a rapid bowler himself, has been speaking on Sky Sports about how to play short bowling: "People talk about batsman being more comfortable playing short bowling because of helmets and extra protection. Ballance is even wearing a chest guard, so could let it hit him. But that's just not in your mind. You will always be a little bit wary of short-pitched bowling."
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Eng 119-3 (England won toss)
Mitchell Johnson is reverting to type. He's steaming in from round the wicket and peppering Gary Ballance, who fends one off his nose. The left-hander is dealing with it fairly well. It's never pleasant, let's be fair.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I asked Jimmy Anderson if he'd spoken to any of their boys and he said he saw Mitchell Johnson the other day and asked if he was alright, and Johnson just stared the other way and walked off."
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Eng 118-3
Brad Haddin is jumping around as though his favourite song has just come on at ten to two in the local nightspot. He believes Joe Root has feathered a catch behind off a Mitchell Johnson bouncer. Nothing doing, Bradley.
Root 50 off 56 balls
Eng 118-3
Joe Root works Nathan Lyon for two, but almost falls for the oldest trick in the book when he chases one down the leg side and comes close to overbalancing. Brad Haddin was ready. Next ball brings two off a leading edge and when the ball lands safely, it brings up Root's 12th Test half-century. Great knock. Again.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
OptaJim: 174 - Since the start of 2014 Joe Root averages 174 batting against off-spinners in Tests, at a strike rate of 87.4. Tamed.
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Eng 113-3
Time for off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
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Eng 113-3 (Ballance 38, Root 46)
Hair flapping in the Cardiff breeze, Mitchell Johnson gallops to the crease. He appears to be trying too hard as he bangs one in and Joe Root is disappointed not to hammer it to the boundary, instead picking out the fielder. A single down to fine leg makes it three for the over.
The Edge of Glory
Have you seen the latest cricket craze?
Watch former England team-mates Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard try the BBC Sport's Edge of Glory challenge - how many times can they bounce a tennis ball on the edge of a cricket bat?
Send us your photos of any improvised versions of Edge of Glory.
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Eng 110-3
Mitchell Johnson - the man England were meant to worry about - returns to the bowling attack with figures of 6-0-35-0.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Gaz Ballance is obviously not in great nick but he's fighting it out and really showing some gusto to keep at it."
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Eng 110-3 (partnership 67)
Josh Hazlewood versus Joe Root. This is a battle which will go on for years, almost like Glenn McGrath and Michael Atherton before them. Just the one from the over.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Just stumbled across these four fellas, dressed as 'Outback explorers'. Their intrepid travels have taken them all the way from Kent and a daring overnighter at an M4 service station."
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Eng 109-3 (Ballance 38 off 74)
There's a bit of the Paulo Wanchope's about Mitchell Starc at the moment. Stick with me.
He's mercurial when he gets it right, but even he doesn't seem to know what the ball is going to do this afternoon. Moments after finding the edge, he has Brad Haddin scampering to avoid giving away four byes.
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Eng 107-3
Ooohhh... Gary Ballance edges Mitchell Starc behind but the ball drops short of Shane Watson at first slip. Lucky escape.
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Eng 107-3
Mitchell Starc's radar continues to let him down and a half volley into the pads of Gary Ballance is clipped for four.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"I think they were over-attacking Root a bit, he was scoring at will. Now they are just trying to build pressure because if you make it too easy to score it can get away from you pretty quickly.
"Hazlewood is hitting the team and that is one thing you have to do in England with the Dukes ball, it seems to have a big seam and can nibble around."
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Eng 103-3 (Root 41, Ballance 34)
Josh Hazlewood gets a delivery to almost tickle the bails as it nips back into Joe Root and goes just over the off stump. Hands on head for the bowler, Root just resets himself. You don't want to play poker against this lad. Maiden.
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Eng 103-3
David Warner is being cheered on today by his wife Candice and daughter Ivy Mae Warner. He does have a soft side, you know.
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Eng 103-3 (run-rate: 3.81)
Gary Ballance brings up the England 100 by squirting a full ball for four through gully. He then sways out of the way of a short one. Mitchell Starc just doesn't look comfortable out there, while Ballance, despite looking like a man trying to keep his toes away from the strimmer, is digging in.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Kevan Sangster: Is it possible to clone Joe Root? I'd like to bat him at 1,3 and 5.
Andrew V: Would be nice if at the end of all this that kids aspire to be Joe Root rather than Raheem Sterling.
A bit chilly, lads?
Remember these two Aussies? Mark Taylor and Ian Healy are working for Australian television in Cardiff today. They look like they are a bit cold.
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Eng 99-3 (Root 41 off 37)
Josh Hazlewood is the type of bowler who, when he gets it right, has the ball on a string. Allied to the fact he's deceptively quick, he causes Joe Root some problems with one which jags back in and hits him in the midriff. A muted appeal. Not out.
When there's one floated outside off stump, Root misses out and hammers the ball into the turf beneath his feet.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"The thing I have liked about the Australians is they have bowled a good full length. The wicket has no pace and not much bounce so you've got to bowl that full length or else you're not going to look like taking a wicket unless the batsman throws it away. The first few balls Root was a bit shaky but since then he has been in total control, anything short he just helps on its way."
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Eng 99-3
Joe Root is bossing it out there - riding a short ball from Josh Hazlewood and guiding it wide of point for four.
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Eng 95-3 (Starc 7-3-27-1)
Very funny... the two umpires came out after lunch in the wrong coats. They try them on, then swap between deliveries. Do they not sew their name into the collar? Looks like they should.
Mitchell Starc is booming the ball all over the place to Gary Ballance but his radar is skew-whiff. He's more threatening against the right-handed Joe Root, as he tries to nip the ball back into the pads. Three from the over.
Sledging is part of the game - Redknapp
Well, veteran football manager Harry Redknapp says there is not much sledging in football but thinks it has a place in cricket: "Ashes, sledging and Fred Trueman - it's all part of the game for me," he writes on Kicca.
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Henry Blofeld
BBC Test Match Special
"Ballance is not only balanced, he's adhesive."
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Eng 92-3 (Ballance 29, Root 36)
There are a few pints of beer and glasses of wine springing up in the stands. It's acceptable now you've had a butty, right? Gary Ballance doesn't look very convincing out there but he squeezes a single off Josh Hazlewood.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"Joe Root is making it look pretty easy compared to the other batsmen. Australia could have made England pay but since that dropped catch Joe Root has been on the attack."
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Eng 91-3
Second ball after lunch is dug in and Joe Root tucks in, pulling three into the leg side.
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Eng 88-3
First ball after lunch is on the money from Josh Hazlewood, and pushed straight back to the bowler by Joe Root.
Listen to TMS on your sun lounger
Listening abroad? On your jollies? Lucky you.
Did you know you can listen to TMS commentary in Europe and North America? Click here.
Unfortunately, because of rights issues, this is not available in the UK, Sri Lanka, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Drama in Cardiff
'Allo 'allo... what's going on here then?
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Thanks Stephan. Good knock. Can England make hay in the afternoon sunshine? We'll soon find out. The players are fed and watered and making their way back to the middle.
Taylor's batting tips
There are some who feel James Taylor should be in this England team. Who knows? He might even get a go later in the series.
Anyway, he has taken time out from piling on the runs for Notts to offer his batting tips to you good people, via the BBC's Get Inspired. Have a look here.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Alex Jacques: The new CEO is in the office so I'm hiding in the toilet watching the updates ROOOOOOOOOT.
Rich: With so many windows open for the commentary on the cricket and tennis it looks like I work for the BBC!
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There's 10 minutes or so before the players leave the lunch table and head back out to the middle. I'm out of here for a bit, so I'll leave you with Marc Higginson.
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BBC Radio Test Match Special
Former Australia batsman Marcus North: "We had 14 overs at Panesar and Anderson and if you can't get them out you don't deserve to win a Test match."
Memories of Cardiff 2009
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"It was my first Ashes Test and I bowled like a drain. But with the bat they knew I liked to play shots. At one point I think I got hit three times in five balls. My over-confidence way out-stripped my talent."
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Join the debate at #bbccricket
Oliver Reid-Smith: Fun stat: since the beginning of the year, Alastair Cook has averaged 59.7 in 11 test cricket innings. Drop him?
Nicholas Smith: Great fightback from Root and Ballance. Plenty of batting to come and apart from Hazlewood, the bowling is nothing to fear.
Is sledging good for cricket?
You have been voting in your droves and the results are now in....
58% of you said sledging is good for cricket - and 42% thought not. I wonder if Merv Hughes managed to vote.
Text 81111
Harry from London: Don't know what the atmosphere in Cardiff is like, but the office is eerily quite as everyone feigns work and awaits the latest text update.
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BBC Radio Test Match Special
Former Australia batsman Marcus North recalling the 2009 Cardiff Ashes Test: "It was a pretty flat wicket then too. It was only my third Test match and I tended to get nervous but it was nice to get out there and contribute."
Get updates on the move
If you're struggling to listen to TMS or follow the live text, you can always sign up for news and wicket alerts on your mobile phone or tablet, via the BBC Sport app. Full details here.
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Tom Fordyce
Chief sports writer at Cardiff
"The damp start and early England wickets ensured a slow morning for the boozemobiles parked under the stands. While the Foster's stand is at least doing steady business, the lads working on the Pimm's concession have the haunted look of temporary staff fearing the sack. And don't even ask about the champagne bar."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Ash Green: Much like a battered tree in a storm, once again England will be clinging on by a Root...
Evan Samuel: Two games going on out there: Root, and everyone else. Different class. Haddin's drop looking worse.
Cardiff 2009 remembered
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Stay tuned to Test Match Special during lunch as Graeme Swann and former Australia batsman Marcus North relive the famous Ashes Test at Cardiff in 2009 - the match of Monty Panesar and James Anderson saving the game for England with the bat.
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But Root and Ballance have taken England to lunch, Root counter-punching to a 24-ball 33. Ballance, scratchy at first, has grown into his unbeaten 28. The pitch is very much on the slow side, no great bounce, little movement to encourage the pacemen. Australia have impressed sporadically with the ball - Starc's in-swingers full of danger. At other times, the tourists have served up some short, wide dross.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"They were in trouble but Root has played nicely, busily picked off the bad balls and England have got to lunch relatively ok. There are no demons in this pitch to face any fast bowler. After being bombed by Johnson in Australia this is the perfect surface. You've got to get yourself out here."
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Just joining us? Where've you been? England won the toss and batted on a damp Cardiff morning, immediately seeing Adam Lyth held in the gully off Josh Hazlewood. Alastair Cook looked good before edging Nathan Lyon behind, while Ian Bell came and went lbw to Mitchell Starc. At 43-3, England were in the soup, and it could have been worse had Brad Haddin not dropped Joe Root second ball.
Lunch scorecard
England 88-3 (England won toss)
Not out batsmen: Ballance 28 (57), Root 33 (24).
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1)
Bowling figures: Starc 6-3-24-1, Hazlewood 8-3-28-1, Johnson 6-0-35-0, Lyon 3-2-1-1.
England won toss
Full scorecard
Lunch
Eng 88-3
The end of the first session in this 2015 Ashes series. Australia's morning, no doubt, but England will take some cheer from the way Ballance and Root have fought back. 45 they've added for the fourth wicket. I wonder how costly it might be for Australia to have dropped Root on nought?
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"This is good for Gary Ballance. He is in, spending time in the middle. If he can just hang in there another hour, get into the 30s, he'll relax a bit and think that he hasn't failed, because it has been a while since he has had a proper innings."
Eng 84-3 (Ballance 25, Root 32)
Mitchell Johnson, the only Australia bowler without a wicket this morning, to take us to lunch. Gary Ballance, who has battled his way through the morning, gets rewards for his patience, twice tucking in to cut for four. Remember how we said Australia had bowled their share of rubbish? This is another example from Johnson. Round the wicket for the final two balls...
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Joe Root at number five in Test cricket is currently averaging 78.4."
Eng 76-3 (partnership 33)
"Roooooooooot". More din for the Yorkshire tyro, who has jolted the crowd into life. A Josh Hazlewood long hop is cut for four, a fitting welcome to the sight of sunshine. In the crowd, a man in whites has an oversized novelty bat over shoulder, it must be seven feet long. You know when Fred Flintstone carried his club over his shoulder? Like that. Maybe one over to go before lunch.
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Jim Maxwell
BBC Test Match Special
"From the hand Starc and Johnson have been touching 90mph, but when it hits the pitch it is like a pricked balloon, it is going nowhere."
Eng 70-3 (Ballance 17, Root 26)
Seriously, what's going on with Joe Root? While England have scratched around for most of the morning, Root has come out in the form of the gods. In fairness, Johnson is bowling some rubbish, short and wide. Root tucks in, a four, a two, then a three, all through the point region. It's so good, we hear the Barmy Army trumpeter for the first time this summer, playing the theme from the Addams Family. I think the words to that song are derogatory to the Aussies, but I can't be sure. The rain has relented, blue sky above.
It's raining
BBC Weather's Jacob Cope: "It looks like there's a shower just upwind of Cardiff but it won't last long, 10 minutes tops, and after that it's all dry by the looks of things."
Eng 61-3 (20 overs)
It's mizzly, the sort of fine rain that you can't see through and doesn't get you that wet. Umpires have another chat after Ballance negotiates a Hazlewood over. They decide to stay on, even though to looks be getting heavier. Mitchell Johnson removes his cap. Remember, this pitch hasn't really been fraught with danger. It's on the slow side, no real movement.
Lonely radio presenter
BBC Radio Wales host Jason Mohammad has been in touch: "They said host a radio show from The Ashes. Sitting in an empty pub in the shadow of the Swalec Stadium #miserable."
In the area? Buy Jason a pint, will you.
It's raining
Eng 61-3
Rain getting heavier, groundstaff poised. Umpires looking up...
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think Starc has bowled the ball across Root enough, he is just to the inswinger now. By the way, Bell's innings was awful, four balls of absolute tripe."
Eng 61-3 (Ballance 17, Root 17)
Is Joe Root playing the same sport as the rest of the England batsmen? Starc full and leggy, Root clipping square for a bullet boundary. And again, this time a pendulum swing of the bat brings a couple more down the ground. Ah, that's more in keeping with the morning, a play and miss outside the off stump. A strong wind flutters flags at the top of the pavilion and is there just a couple of umbrellas up in the crowd?
Hang in there
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"The trees behind the Riverside Stand offer a potential view of the action for the fearless..."
Eng 55-3 (Hazlewood 6-2-22-1)
You know what? In amongst the dangerous stuff, Australia have bowled some dross, usually well wide of the off stump. This time it's Hazelwood not threatening Ballance's timber, prompting a change of angle to round the wicket. That's better, beating Ballance's tentative prod. A maiden. The crowd hum that usually accompanies the first morning of a Test is barely audible. If you're in Cardiff, do let me know if my impression of a sombre atmosphere is correct.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I think with a score of 250 you would be in the game. Joe Root and England will be hoping that dropped catch from Brad Haddin will cost Australia dearly."
Eng 55-3 (Root 11 from 8 balls)
Oh, Joe. That's lovely. Loose from Starc, Root cutting through the vacant point region for four. Cardiff shows signs of life, the "Roooooot" drone. And again! Cover drive for three. A baby-faced counter-punch from the Yorkshire batsman. How often might that be the case this summer?
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Max Whiting: I have a feeling we will be relying on Root, Stokes and Buttler a lot this series!!
Thomas Cropper: Lyth, Bell and Cook replaced with Pietersen, Morgan and Bairstow/Rashid please.
Eng 47-3
Nice from Root, off the mark with a dreamy drive through mid-off off Starc. Four-penneth. Next ball, beaten outside off stump. Do not takes your eyes off this.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Just seen England number 10 Mark Wood fully padded up and making his way to the nets. On this evidence, it's a wise move."
Eng 43-3 (Ballance 16, Root 0)
With England in turmoil, Michael Clarke removes Nathan Lyon and unleashes Josh Hazlewood. In the midst of the carnage, Gary Ballance remains, perhaps showing a touch more certainty outside off stump. Sky still grey, touch of wind to ruffle the players' shirts. Cardiff silent, funereal.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"That's 56 runs in his last nine innings for Ian Bell."
Eng 43-3 (Starc 4-3-6-1)
Mercifully for England, that is the end of the Starc over. A replay of the Bell wicket shows that the ball would have clipped the leg stump, the Warwickshire man swiping the ground with his bat as he walked off. Root, by hook or crook, somehow got through the rest of the set. Starc showed us what he was capable of at the World Cup and is arrowing in his inswinging yorkers like loaded missiles fraught with danger for the men in blue helmets.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Paul Hawkins: That familiar sinking feeling *rolls eyes*.
James Brandon: Joe Root coming in to a crisis. We've been here at least once before I think.
Graeme Taylor: Eoin Morgan, you're in for Lords. The experiment with Root at 3 is working, except he's batting 5 behind absent top order.
Root dropped on 0
Eng 43-3
I can't keep up with this. Next ball, Root's second, he jams down on a very full ball, edging towards Haddin, who dives to his right and shells the chance. Could he have gone two-handed? Probably.
Eng 43-3
My word, it's all happening. A huge appeal first ball against new man Joe Root, only saved by the slither of an inside edge. Every ball an event.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It's the late swing from Starc, at good pace. It is going to be difficult for the right-handers when the ball is hooping back into the pads. It was a good toss to lose."
WICKET
Bell lbw Starc 1 (Eng 43-3)
England are sliding towards the mire little more than an hour into this Ashes series. Mitchell Starc has come to the party to remove Ian Bell, a very full delivery swinging back to pin England's number four leg before. Bell lingers, thinks of a review, but is sent on his way after chat with Gary Ballance. Is this starting to feel a little bit 2013-14? Are we set for a very long summer?
Eng 43-2
Looking again at the Cook dismissal, the ball perhaps bounced more that the England skipper was expecting, some overspin causing the ball to kick higher than he might have thought. Was it wide enough to cut? Probably not. Now Starc to Bell.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Greg Double: Particularly bad dismissal for Cook as it puts England's most out of form batsmen in together. Expect another wicket very soon...
Matthew Bennett: Please don't let that knock Cook's confidence, attacking fervour has revitalised his game recently.
Ayelet H Lushkov: Joe Root must be thinking 'Really? Again? Must we do this *every* single time?'.
Eng 43-2 (Lyon 3-2-1-1)
Ian Bell is the new man, so we now have two England batsmen in need of a score at the crease. Lyon stands round the wicket to right-hander Bell, who is immediately on the charge. Up and over, a complete miscue on the leg side brings a single. I'm all for England pressurising Lyon, but is this a little reckless?
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Terrific captaincy from Clarke putting Nathan Lyon on early. He bowled a few dot balls and pressure was building. Cook was trying to make something out of something that wasn't there.
"This pitch is turgid, it really is. We got used to pulls cuts and drives in the New Zealand but it is back to old school here. That first over Lyth faced you could see it was a pitch we have not been used to of late."
WICKET
Cook c Haddin b Lyon 20 (Eng 42-2)
Oh, Alastair. What have you done? Two balls after drinks, the England captain is on his way back. Cook had looked to get after Nathan Lyon, without success, and now he has perished cutting a ball that was probably too close. An edge is gobbled by the waiting gloves of Brad Haddin. After looking good, Cook is on his way and the Aussie experiment with Lyon has worked. Australia's morning so far.
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A Question of Sport Teaser
Our colleagues at Question of Sport have set a teaser for you this lunch-time. They ask... Who are the five cricketers whose first name is Adam to play Test cricket for England or Australia?
We'll bring the answers late on. No cheating.
Scorecard update
England 42-1 (England won toss)
Batsmen: Cook 20, Ballance 16
Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6)
Bowling figures: Starc 3-2-6-0, Hazlewood 4-0-22-1, Johnson 4-0-14-0, Lyon 2-2-0-0
England won toss
Full scorecard
Drinks break
Eng 42-1
Mitchell Starc is back into the attack, replacing his fellow left-armer Johnson. Two fairly average overs earlier from Starc, but his line is a little more threatening here. Is Starc thinking of growing some face fuzz too? Johnson and David Warner both have the mo, and it looks like Starc is eschewing shaving. Team moustache? If England tried that, Joe Root might be ready for the 2019 series. One hour into this series, we'll have a drink.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"It's a full house in the Cardiff press box for cricket's greatest drama."
Eng 36-1 (Lyon 2-2-0-0)
Alastair Cook is definitely playing Nathan Lyon more aggressively than he usually would take on on off-spinner in the first hour of a Test match. Another dance, hitting the ball straight at the man at short cover. And another dance, then a cut. Prods and swipes, but another Lyon maiden.
Punter faces up to Mitch
Interesting stuff from ex-Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Sky Sports. He admits that facing Mitchell Johnson was uncomfortable in the nets, but he would always insist on facing the quicker bowlers to prepare for his role as number three. He was no shirker, Ricky.
Eng 36-1 (Cook 20, Ballance 10)
Johnson has the ball in his left hand and a look on his face as dark as the sky overhead. Gary Ballance is his prey, hunted by four slips and a man under the helmet. Ballance, a thick-set left-hander, fiddles with his box - I'd check be checking too if a man was sending down leather bullets at 90mph. A couple nudged on the leg side, then a pretty unconvincing leave. Ballance hasn't looked comfortable, but he's still battling through.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"They should look to get after Lyon, I think you should always get after a spinner. It's all about the breeze in Test cricket for a spin bowler. He will probably bowl from the River Taff end to get the ball to drift away."
Eng 34-1 (10 overs)
"Turn and bounce," says Brad Haddin from behind the stumps. I'm not sure there is, Brad. Lyon bowled 22 overs for 136 runs in the first innings against Essex last week, so maybe England might look to get after him. Cook instantly on the charge, but Lyon starts with a maiden.
Eng 34-1
Hello, this is a bit of a curveball. Spin in the first hour on a wet, grey Cardiff morning. Nathan Lyon to have a tweak.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Jon Dunn: Australia have bowled poorly in this first half an hour, which makes Lyth's dismissal so disappointing.
Matt Tasker: Sharing a desk with an Aussie today. I'm boldly predicting England 500-7. We may not be friends by the end of the day.
Eng 34-1 (Johnson 3-0-12-0)
Johnson's slick-back hair is starting to come out of place, bouncing as he hunts down Alastair Cook. Speedo in overdrive - 91mph - with the threat of some swing towards the waiting slips. Cook, not sure whether to play or leave, does neither, somehow angling the ball to third man for four. That's better judgement outside off stump from the skipper, who then swivels on a pull for a single.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I have seen Hazlewood compared to Glenn McGrath but I see Stuart Clark - he is much more that pace. He even looks like him in his action and follow through."
Eng 29-1 (Cook 15, Ballance 8)
It's from Maximo Park lead singer Paul Smith! If you've got no idea who they are, look them up. We're not just here to tell you about cricket, sometimes we expand your musical taste too. Anyway, back to the cricket, with Gary Ballance edging towards some certainty, guiding Hazlewood to fine leg for four. That draws a cheer for the Cardiff crowd, reminding us that there are actually spectators in attendance. I wonder why it's so quiet? Nerves, maybe?
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Eng 22-1
Delighted with the following tweet that's come in to #bbccricket...
Watching from the new office
CJ Naylor, on Instagram, writes: "New office, new desk, first day of the Ashes Test."
Good to have you aboard, CJ.
Eng 22-1 (Cook 10, Ballance 6)
Johnson stalks in to a less-than-comfortable Gary Ballance. It might be a slow pitch, but the prowling Johnson has Ballance flustered with a short ball that is a smidge under 90 clicks. When Ballance stabs a single, Cook gets to the business end and looks to be playing a different game to his young number three. At the moment, Cook is comfortable in the heat of the kitchen, while Ballance is wary of getting his fingers burned.
How's stat?!
Josh Hazlewood now has 25 Test wickets at an average of 18.76. The boy is good.
Eng 20-1 (6 overs - 84 remain)
Hello, sunshine. The first sight of the bright stuff in the Welsh capital gets Josh Hazlewood a little giddy, with a bumper hooked for four by Alastair Cook. Whisper it quietly, but the England skipper has started with a reasonable degree of comfort. Three slips and a gully in the grabbers, a short leg and shortish square leg wait for a chance. Cook, tongue forced into his cheek, watches carefully as Hazlewood gets a little wayward outside off stump.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"This isn't going to be a terror pitch where the ball is flying around your ears - no matter who is bowling on it. You've got to get it full and try to entice the drive."
Eng 16-1 (Cook 5, Ballance 5)
Johnson has his dark hair slicked back and the moustache in place on his top lip, the look of an evil overlord. The fajitas aren't sizzling just yet - pace at 88mph. He'll get quicker. He looks to go very full, but a full toss is bunted through the covers by Cook for four. After a single, Ballance is crowded by fielders, more popular than a man handing out free fivers. The left-hander goes back and across to dig out a toe-seeker that touches 91mph.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Not a bad toss to lose. I've already heard two Aussie pressmen accusing the groundsman of taking pace out of this pitch - well there has never been pace in this pitch."
Eng 11-1
It is going to be Johnson. Remember the moustachioed menace that stalked your dreams some 18 months ago? Time to be brave.
Eng 11-1
Gary Ballance managed only 36 runs in four knocks against New Zealand and he looks like a man short of form. Ooofff, that's a very scratchy edge through the slips for four. Mitchell Johnson is getting loose, an early change?
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Glenn McGrath had just been commenting on how quiet the ground seemed. Not any more. That early wicket drew a roar from the Australia fans decked out in green and gold in the Croesco Stand. Looks like some of the Fanatics (Australia's best-known sport and party tour company, according to their website) have made the trip west from Wimbledon to be here for this one."
Close!
Eng 7-1
Was that a chance? Ballance poking Hazlewood in the direction of short leg? No, just fell short. All happening, every ball an event. England under early pressure
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Alec Stewart
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Mitchell Starc when he gets it wrong you can't bowl him. Most of his success has come with the white ball. At times with the red ball Michael Clarke hasn't had the confidence to bowl him."
Eng 7-1
Luckily for England, Mitchell Starc hasn't got the radar working yet. He struggled in Australia's final warm-up game at Essex last week. Lots of deliveries wide of Cook's off stump, with the skipper leaving alone. Cardiff is pretty much silent, as if the crowd is too nervous to make a sound.
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"I think everyone has to try and get forward on this pitch, you could probably get forward to Michael Holding on this - not that I'd tell him that."
Eng 7-1 (Hazlewood 1-0-7-1)
So it took Australia only 12 balls to take a first shot at the England batting. Looking again, it may not have swung back into Lyth, but rather straightened from a leg-stump line. Indeed, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was off down the leg side. Gary Ballance is England's number three and a man in need of runs.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"That's a perfect start for Australia, there is a lack of pace in the wicket which did for Lyth, he got a leading edge and caught very well by Warner. Not the start England would have wanted after winning the toss. There is a chance for things to go badly for them."
WICKET
Lyth c Warner b Hazlewood 6 (Eng 7-1)
Gone! First blood of the 2015 Ashes to Australia. Josh Hazlewood has sent Adam Lyth on his way, with David Warner taking a very good low catch in the gully. The ball swung into Lyth on a good length, squaring up the left-hander. A leading edge flies near to the ground, with Warner moving to his right to snaffle. A good nut from Hazlewood, but no feet from Lyth. There's that sinking feeling in the stomach. Hello, old friend.
How's stat?!
Of the four Ashes matches in which Alastair Cook has won the toss, he has won three of them. When he has lost the toss, he has never won.
Eng 1-0
Right-armer Josh Hazlewood shares the new ball - we must wait for Mitchell Johnson. Swing for Hazlewood into Cook, who gets an unconvincing edge on to the off side and scampers one. England off the mark.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"If that's happening third ball of the match it is not looking good for the rest of the game but hopefully it's a one-off.
"It's so quiet around the ground, I'm not sure if there aren't more nerves in the stands than in the middle. It's a bit eerie."
Eng 0-0
There's also a short leg in place for the loose-limbed, dark-haired Mitchell Starc, who gets one to scuttle through, underneath the bat of left-hander Lyth. Uneven bounce, or just a lack of pace? Starc can crank the speedo past 90, but he's warming to his task in the high 80s. Some away-swing for Starc and another delivery barely carrying to Brad Haddin. A slow deck?
First ball of the 2015 Ashes
Eng 0-0
Banged in by left-armer Starc, Lyth drops his hands and sways out of the way. Finally, we're under way.
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Mitchell Starc is at the end of his run. Adam Lyth takes guard. The talking, hype and singing is done. Radio on, live text minimised so the boss can't see. Three slips and a gully. Ready? Play.
'I'm out of the office...'
BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James: Out of office: Hi, thanks for your tweet. I'm currently busy watching The Ashes and will get back to you in September. Have a great summer.
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Joy and rapture, the umpires are finally on the way, greeted by Jerusalem and followed by the Baggy Greens of Australia. To a huge cheer, England openers Alastair Cook and Adam Lyth skip down the stairs. Nearly there.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"It's been a massive build-up to the Ashes, weeks and weeks of it. Positive start for England, you've got to bat first, but I think the Australians won't be overly concerned, I think they are going to bowl a lot fuller and look to take early wickets. It's do or die for England."
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There's still two huge flags on the outfield, even though the five-minute bell has gone. Will you give me a nudge when we finally get some cricket, please?
'I'm out of the office...'
BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James might not be contactable for the next couple of months...
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After all that, they are going back to the dressing rooms! We're not starting until 11.15! They get all the players out there and now they are heading back inside. Unbelievable.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Trevor Hobday: This is ridiculous; why all the pageantry? We should be playing cricket and the first over should have been bowled by now; we are already behind the clock!
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Tom Fordyce
Chief sports writer at Cardiff
"The last ball in Ashes cricket before today featured England's Boyd Rankin being caught at slip. Surprised? It was only a year and a half ago, but it may as well have been a lifetime between then in a baked Sydney and this morning at a soggy Cardiff. Only six of that England XI remain; there has been time to both appoint and sack a head coach and managing director, to sack a star batsman and to let the longest row in cricket history drag on and on. The next ball in Ashes history can't happen soon enough."
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I'll be honest, I'm a huge fan of the Australia national anthem. The Aussies, have their arms linked, singing to a man. All but Brad Haddin in sleeveless sweaters. Keepers are hard. Now England's turn. Ian Bell looks nervous, while Joe Root is like a man born to do this. Fireworks and handshakes. Maybe now we can get on with it.
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Robert Croft is belting out the Welsh anthem. Go on, Crofty.
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Players at the top of the steps, announced over the tannoy and then down on to the red carpet while flanked by trumpeters, as if in some sort of medieval royal court. Here come the anthems.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I've always believed if the pitch is good for batting you've got to bat. If the pitch has moisture or grass and you can bowl the opposition out before the end of the day then bowl first.
"If it does drizzle the ball gets wet and once the gloss goes off the new ball it doesn't bounce, doesn't zip, the bowlers don't like it."
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I tell you what, they aren't half milking this. There's flags being carried across the outfield by soldiers, all while the suited male voice choir continue to warble on. If if wasn't for all this pageantry, we could actually be watching some cricket by now.
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It's becoming quite clear that we're not starting on time. We're only two minutes from the scheduled start - not long enough for Mitchell Johnson to mark out his run, let alone hear three national anthems. You know how I said the players are on the way? I got a bit carried away, they still wait in the dressing room. There is, however, a male voice choir singing Bread Of Heaven. Standard.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't like predictions. The slight favourites are Australia because of their strength in bowling. The young kid that's coming, Cummins, is very quick and those bowlers do have the biggest effect. You've got to get 20 wickets to win and on paper - and paper doesn't win matches - but Australia have a bit more edge."
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Here come the players for the pomp and circumstance. Red carpets, et al. Surely Katherine Jenkins is there? Is it not the law for her to sing the anthems in these circumstances?
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Dan: I've found the only bar in Taipei showing the cricket, beer in hand, I am ready to go.
Post update
The players mooch on their respective balconies, Alastair Cook looking pensive, Stuart Broad sitting back like a man not expecting to do much for a while. Before play begins, we'll hear the anthems of England, Wales and Australia. In the crowd, some Aussie fans decked in yellow (not gold) long for home. Yes, Cardiff in a UK summer is colder than an Australian winter.
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Weather news - the covers are coming off. No word on if play will be delayed. If it is, it won't be by long.
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Thanks, Marc. It was north-east indie combo Maximo Park that told us ignorance isn't bliss, familiarity still ends in contempt.
Perhaps the same can be said for England's feeling towards Australia, especially as we begin a third Ashes series in two years. Aussies: can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.
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I've had a tap on the shoulder. It's the big man, Stephan Shemilt.
He's opening up for us today. I'll be back around lunch-time. Enjoy!
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"It's a passing shower, it's going to clear again in about four minutes."
It's raining
The covers are being brought on because of a brief shower. But fear not... we're not expecting a long delay to the scheduled 11:00 BST start, if at all.
Got to love cricket and the great British weather, haven't we?
'I am out of the office...'
BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James might not be contactable for the next couple of months...
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Alec Stewart
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"If England are still batting at the end of day one I'm going for a draw. If this cloud does blow away they are perfect batting conditions. When the wickets are flat here they are as flat as anything."
Cook's captaincy
Despite being back in the runs against New Zealand, Alastair Cook heads into the series with questions marks over his captaincy.
His response? "There's a lot always written about my captaincy. I think at certain times I have to be able to get on that front foot as well as a captain. When I first started we had a really methodical team, people who liked really banging out areas time and time again and batters who were relentlessly grinding down the opposition.
"The guys we have now are a little bit more free-spirited than that. It's about being able to let them feel comfortable playing their way."
Spin duel
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So, England have decided not to employ leg-spinner Adil Rashid and kept their faith in Moeen Ali. Australia have resisted temptation to replace Nathan Lyon with a fourth frontline seamer.
Team line-ups
England: Alastair Cook (capt), Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson.
Australia: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Steve Smith, Michael Clarke (capt), Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
How's stat?!
It might be a surprise to some, but Australia haven't won a series in England since 2001. They have won just one Test here in their last 14.
Skipper's view from the toss
Australia captain Michael Clarke: "I would have batted as well, but hopefully it swings around a little bit this morning.
"We understand that's been tough to have success over here, but we're excited for the challenge. Stats are there to be changed.
"We have experience, a lot of guys have played in these conditions. We have to play our best cricket against a very good team in their own back yard.
"All players were in contention. Shaun and Mitchell Marsh have done everything to push for selection, but the selectors have stuck with the older guys."
Skipper's view from the toss
England captain Alastair Cook: "There's some overhead conditions but we think it's a fairly dry wicket. Hopefully the cloud will burn off and it won't swing too much.
"It's been a really good summer for us so far. Now we have to start again against a very good side.
"I've got a huge amount of faith in our players. There's some talented players in our team."
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Australia captain Michael Clarke admitted he would have batted first too. He will hope his bowlers don't suffer from Steve Harmison-like first day nerves.
They are, of course, without Ryan Harris who was forced to retire last weekend because of injury. Rhino retires with 113 wickets at an amazing average of 23.52.
His replacement is Josh Hazlewood, who took his wickets at less than 10 in the series against West Indies. Handy.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"England have to get some kind of total and then throw the ball to Anderson, Broad and Mark Wood. It also brings Moeen Ali into the game, he can bowl into the footmarks and I think it's the right decision. You have to play well see off that new ball in the first session.
"It's brave because people will see a few clouds around but it's a positive move to get some runs on the board."
Tweet from the media
BreakingEngland win toss and bat
Michael Clarke called incorrectly and a little, cheeky smile crept across the face of the England skipper who will now have a quick chat with the broadcasters before getting padded up.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Dewy: Taking the life out of the pitch might not be a bad thing. With the Mitchell's they have more fire power, could be nullified.
Morning, gents
The great and good of English cricket are gearing up for the opening day's play...
Skipper still the man to get early?
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It's murky, overcast today, more or less a bowling day, so it's not so easy to smash bowlers around.
"Less talk and see what you have to come up against when you get out there in the middle. Don't talk about it, do it."
Weather forecast
Just a little reminder that it's not likely to rain very much in Cardiff today. It's not going to be warm either...
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"If Cook can bat all day - stay there like I did - blunt the two attacking fast bowers, Johnson and Starc, then it will make us all feel better and think we really have a chance against this lot."
Such a perfect day
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"There can be few more pleasant approaches to a cricket ground than the walk to the Swalec from Cardiff city centre. Through the gates of the 11th century castle, into Bute Park and over the River Taff, a gentle weave through the woodland of Sophia Gardens and you're there.
"As the stands begins to fill, the outfield is the usual playground scene, with both teams going through their pre-match drills as media and officials mingle among them. The pitch? An absolute belter by all accounts."
'Wood is going to be special'
Here's more from former England fast bowler Simon Jones, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: "England have Mark Wood, I think that boy is going to be special. He bowls 90mph plus, he pitches it up, he swings it, he can seam it and I reckon he'll be good with the old ball as well with the type of action he's got. He's strong at the crease, he's exciting to watch, he's confident.
"I like the fact he's come into this team and he looks as if he's played Test cricket for years, he really enjoys himself."
'England team really excites me'
Former England fast bowler Simon Jones, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: "In 2005 we didn't struggle to take 20 wickets, we each knew someone was going to put their hand up and take four or five wickets. That confidence, you can't buy that, and that's why I like the look of England's attack now, they have different bowling options and that's why this team really excites me."
Clarke's big news
Vote now
If you hit the voting tab on this page, you'll be asked a simple question: Is sledging good for cricket?
You tell us. We'll reveal the results at lunch.
New man steering the ship
England go into this series with a new coach. An Aussie, going by the name of Trevor Bayliss.
What would WG Grace say about that?
The general consensus, however, is that England have got a good un' - a coach who is innovative, stays in the background and has a track record of success.
He sounds a bit like his old mucker, Darren Lehmann to me.
Wicketkeeper Jones announces retirement
Here's some breaking news for you...
The man who took the winning catch in that fantastic Edgbaston Test of 2005, Geraint Jones, has chosen today to step down as Gloucestershire captain and will retire at the end of the season.
The 38-year-old played 34 Tests and 51 one-day internationals and also played international cricket for the country of his birth, Papua New Guinea. He joined Gloucestershire on a two-year-deal in October last year following a successful loan spell.
"Over the last few weeks I felt there were guys who needed an opportunity and my place in the team was potentially that opportunity," he said.
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BBC Radio Test Match Special
It wouldn't be an Ashes summer without Test Match Special. So pull on the headphones, or turn up the radio - Aggers and friends are hitting the airwaves on BBC Radio 4 LW, 5 live sports extra and online through a variety of smart devices.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Evan Samuel: Concerned about the work on the pitch - is five days' play for gate receipts more important than the game itself?
Stuart Mitchell: After this series, the series returns to normal in terms of timing. Next home series is 2019. Enjoy it. won't get another for a while.
M E: Cannot wait to see the Stokes/Johnson battle start.
'Summer of sport'
Ever pulled a sporting sickie? I don't advocate such things, but today is the type of day when such thoughts inevitably cross minds.
As Alastair Cook points out: "This is the biggest series you want to play in as a player. With Wimbledon going on, it's a great summer of sport and we want to be part of that."
The good news is that we're here. Just stay glued to this live text all summer and you won't miss a single, slog or sledge. The boss will be following it too - so don't worry about them!
Big numbers
'Don't play recklessly'
Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"You don't want England coming out and playing recklessly. The way they played in the one-day series against New Zealand was brilliant but Test cricket is five days and there are times when you do have to knuckle down, fight hard, battle out of a situation.
"A defensive play in Test cricket is just as important as positive at times. If it means seeing off a barrage from Mitchell Johnson you do it but hopefully when Nathan Lyon comes on, the spinner, you have the confidence to get after him a bit, put the pressure back on the bowling side, that's more what Test cricket positivity is about, rather than caning the ball at eight an over."
Go big or the Ashes leave home?
The big question concerning England is whether they can continue the brand of cricket they showed against New Zealand - the bold, fearless approach where they hit the ball hard and far.
Players like Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali know little different, but can more technical players like Alastair Cook, Gary Ballance and even Ian Bell help the team score at more than four an over?
The Aussies will certainly rack up their runs at a decent lick.
Ashes content galore
If you want something a little meatier in the hour or so before we get under way in Cardiff, you can listen to our special podcast looking at the 'Ashes Propaganda War'.
The Ashes Pub Quiz podcast is also available to download, while you can test your knowledge of the touring Australians here.
Head to head
More pitch news
Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"I had a text or two from a member from the England camp yesterday - one of the bowlers - who wasn't very pleased, there is more and more grass coming off. You want some grass, you want some movement.
"A Test match is five days and lasts a long time. The whole idea is that certainly at the start of the match the bowlers have a bit of a chance, but this looks like a pretty lifeless 22-yard strip, which will mean that if somebody does win the game they'll have played well and someone else will probably have played poorly. This has all the makings of quite a slow track."
The two Mitchells
Of course, Mitchell Johnson has a partner in crime these days - fellow left-arm quick Mitchell Starc.
As Cricinfo eloquently put it in their pre-match preview: "There has not been this much talk of the Mitchells in England since Phil was shot in EastEnders."
Johnson is said to be bowling as quick as ever - knocking Steve Smith onto his backside in the nets. Just what England needed to hear.
What happened last time?
The last time these two sides met... actually let's not go there.
It was 5-0. Australia were good. Ruthless.
Mitchell Johnson terrified the English batsmen and took 37 wickets in just five matches. Can he have the same impact in England where the pitches are not as hard and bouncy?
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"The groundsman has got his mower out again. I don't know how much grass there is to come off this pitch but he's determined to find a bit more to come off."
Pitch report
The pitch has been the cause of plenty of debate in the build-up to this game. What other sport is so obsessed about the length of the grass?
By all accounts, there was plenty of the green stuff on the 22-yard strip earlier in the week but it's been given a close shave by the groundsman in the hours leading up to the start of hostilities.
The thought of England playing two spinners appears to have been shelved.
Post update
Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"This is a series to savour. You don't want the Ashes to come round as regularly as this - it was done to accommodate the World Cup so there was a reason for it, but to come and see the Aussies in their green and gold, it's just a bit different to all the other Test series that we cover. Winning and losing always matters but it really, really matters when you're playing the Australians."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Before I go any further, let me tell you how to get involved in today's live text. You can tweet us, using #bbccricket, send a text to 81111 (remembering to include your name), email tms@bbc.co.uk or post to the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.
What is sledging?
What is sledging, some of you may ask. Well, it's a uniquely cricketing term which describes the verbals dished out by either side. Or, as some of the young uns might term it... 'bants'.
In the last series between the two sides, which Australia won 5-0, Michael Clarke admits he crossed the line when he told James Anderson to prepare for a "broken arm" at the hands of his fast bowlers.
Or, going further back, when Mark Waugh told James Ormond he was not good enough to play for England. The bowler retorted: "Maybe not, but at least I'm the best player in my own family."
There's plenty more, but they might break the live text swear filters.
Flat batted away
'Go on the attack'
Sledge wars
The second question we all want to know is: will there be any sledging during this Ashes series? England say not, Australia are playing it down.
Merv Hughes will be turning in his keg.
To bat or bowl first?
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"I'm putting myself in the shoes of Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke as they draw back the curtains in the captains' suites of their respective team hotels.
"Looking up, there's a healthy covering of grey cloud, with just the occasional window of blue, and a steady cool breeze.
"Looking down, there a puddles aplenty bearing evidence of heavy overnight rain and the likelihood of a sodden outfield at the ground.
"Plenty to ponder in advance of the first toss of the 2015 Ashes. You only have to recall Nasser Hussain in Brisbane in 2002 or Ricky Ponting in Edgbaston 2005 to know how these decisions can shape a series."
Weather report
I bet the first thing you want to know is what the weather is like in Cardiff. Well, BBC Weather's Simon King can answer that very query for you:
"It's a cool, cloudy and showery start of play in Cardiff but the good news is that the showers should clear for the start of the day and it'll get brighter as the day goes on. It'll be quite breezy and on the cool side with a maximum temperature of around 18°C.
"The fine summer weather will return tomorrow with lots of sunshine and lighter winds and even though the temperature won't change (18°C), it'll feel much warmer in the sunshine. As for the rest of the Test, there could be the odd shower on Saturday and Sunday but that's still a long way off!"
Prepare for battle
Morning one and all. Of course, that was a made-up telephone conversation - I don't want any sickly Steves (isn't he a blues singer?!) getting into trouble.
Let's be honest though, we've all got a dose of Ashes fever this morning. It's one of those sporting fevers which can last an entire summer.
There's cricket, then there's the Ashes. One little urn, one gargantuan sporting contest.
Morning
"Hello... is that the boss? It's Steve here. I've got a raging fever and I doubt I'll be in today. Or the next four days."
"Is this anything to do with the Ashes starting, Wimbledon reaching the quarter-final stage and your penchant for cycling, golf and any other sport which is happening on this sleepy Wednesday?"
"Err..."
Phone goes dead.