So Nathan Lyon thinks Australia are still in it? If they chase down 412, then they would more than deserve a 1-0 lead in this series.
Their pursuit starts tomorrow morning. Join us then.
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James Pope: The fun and enjoyment is back in being an England cricket fan.
Post update
More from Lyon, who is the first Australia off-spinner to take 150 Test wickets: "We're definitely still in it. If we bat two days the result will go our way. There's no reason why we can't dig deep.
"We've got to learn from our first innings with the bat - be more patient. There were too many 30s in the first innings, so we need to try and push on a bit more and a couple of our top five to get big hundreds."
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Tattz: Not very clever that from England. I'd have taken 30 runs less and only 5-6 wickets down. Aussies will feel they are in this.
"I think England will just try and stifle the batsmen again with the men on the drive. Australia came out as if they were playing on a fast bouncy pitch where the blew England away last time. I have liked Clarke's captaincy but he didn't get this right. Since tea on the first day Australia have been playing catch-up cricket and in Test cricket that is damn hard. There will be one or two false shots and England will strangle them slowly and surely."
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Australia spinner Nathan Lyon, who took 4-75, on Sky Sports: "We learnt from bowling in the first innings. To take 10 wickets in just over two and a half sessions is a pretty good effort.
"Credit to our bowlers - we dug deep and held on to a few good catches."
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More from England's Ian Bell: "It's been a great day for us. The bowlers set the tempo this morning. The lengths we hit were brilliant and we were aggressive. Everything in the field has been positive.
"It was all about being positive with the bat. But there are no gimmes and we expect more tomorrow. We are going to have to work hard to win."
"Have Australia got the mindset to bat for long periods? England are going to stifle them by bowling straight because they know what to do on this surface. I don't think Moeen has to try too much, just bowl nicely. The seamers will do a lot of the work from the other end."
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Enter Mark Wood for a batting cameo. 32 from 18 balls, before Moeen Ali and James Anderson fell in the final two overs to end the day. In all, we've seen 15 wickets and 333 runs. Only one act left in this four-part drama. Australia need 412 to win.
"Root's in the form of his life, players in good nick score off everything, and Bell who has been under pressure, played as beautifully as ever. The scoreboard was rushing around and even when Bell get out Stokes came in. You've got to like him, he's just like an old fashioned player, he blocks it if it is straight but if its slightly off line he gives it an old fashioned clonk, it's lovely and refreshing and I hope nobody changes him."
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When they went, bowled by Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood respectively, the game went into fast forward. Ben Stokes sparkled for 42, but England got a touch careless, maybe even reckless. Four wickets for 38 runs, in danger of failing to set the Aussies a target in excess of 400.
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England batsman Ian Bell, who made 60 after managing only 56 runs in nine innings before this Test, on Sky Sports: "It's been a while so it's nice to get a few. It's nice to contribute.
"When I'm playing at my best I play it late. At the start of the year I was all over the place and going at the ball a bit hard.
"I've had to work very hard but today it felt just how I wanted it to be."
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Even with the best part of three days left in the game, England weren't looking to hang around in their second dig and found themselves three down in no time (how often do we say that?). However, Ian Bell, in need of runs, finally found some form, in the company of the Midas-like Joe Root. 60 apiece, England stretching their lead.
"Three fantastic Test match days. Many of us were worried we were going to have a tedious draw but there has been a bit of poor batting, the odd ball kept low and England are well on top.
"Australia's best is 404 on Bradman's last tour - 412 they need here and there is no way they are going to get it, not a cat in hell's chance. Their batting is OK but not special."
Close-of-play scorecard
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Post update
England's excellent bowling of this morning seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Stuart Broad got the ball rolling by pinning Shane Watson leg before, Mark Wood did the same to Nathan Lyon. After that, James Anderson got to work with the second new ball. Australia 308 all out - 122 behind.
Highest chases in Test history
If Australia win this game they will go third on this illustrious list...
Glenn McGrath is right, it really has been an extraordinary day. Remember, Australia resumed on 264-5. Yes, England might have lost their way a touch at the end, but they have dominated in a way that few could have imagined. Another good display with the ball and they are likely to go 1-0 up in this Ashes series.
"It's been an extraordinary day, 15 wickets have fallen so no shortage of entertainment. Looking forward to the next day or so, this match has really started the series off with a flurry."
WICKET
Anderson b Lyon 1 (Eng 289 all out)
That's it. James Anderson is bowled slogging Nathan Lyon, signalling the end of England's innings and the end of the day. England are 289 all out and, when we return tomorrow, Australia will need 412 to win.
Eng 289-9 (Johnson 16-2-69-2)
James Anderson is the last man, sent out in the gloom to face Mitchell Johnson. If England lose their last wicket now, that will be the close. Anderson gets under way with a single to fine leg, drawing a huge cheer from the well-oiled Cardiff crowd. Mark Wood digs out a fast yorker, ending up on one knee, leaving Anderson to face the last over of the day.
WICKET
Moeen c Haddin b Johnson 15 (Eng 288-9)
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Moeen Ali can't hang around to support Mark Wood. Wide ball from Mitchell Johnson, a loose drive, the thinnest of edges through to Brad Haddin. For some reason, we wait to see if it was a no-ball, even thought Johnson was nowhere near the front line. If that had gone against Johnson, he would probably have exploded. One wicket between Australia and their chase.
Post update
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Eng 287-8
Moeen's not worried because he knows he's hit it. On we go. Under 10 minutes until the close.
Umpire review
Eng 287-8
This looks close, you know. Nathan Lyon to Moeen Ali. Moeen doesn't look worried. Then again, he never does.
"Moeen Ali should be pushing singles to get Wood on strike! Once Broad went the Australians will have been hoping to soon be in the dressing room with their feet up."
Eng 287-8 (lead by 409)
The Cardiff crowd are baying, cheering Johnson to the crease like a goalkeeper taking a goal-kick. Moeen takes a single to pinch the strike, that's poor. We wanted more of Mark Wood. Johnson is ticking, giving Moeen a word. Michael Clarke has been spotted with his head in his hands. Chin up, Pup.
Tenuous links to cricketers
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Alan Willis: I carried Sir Geoffrey Boycott's bag into the changing rooms at Canterbury. No tip, not a word of thx.
Sara Meiklejohn: I sold Glenn McGrath some glasses and lamp shades in a furniture shop about 20 years ago.
Jim: Knocked Nasser Hussain's coffee over with an ambitious shy at the stumps during the break at Richard Prichard's testimonial.
Eng 286-8 (lead by 408)
And again! Pulled for three. Mark Wood is 32 not out. Whatever you are doing, stop. Ride your imaginary horse in a salute to England's number 10. The crowd are loving this.
Eng 283-8 (lead by 405)
Now Wood is giving Mitchell Johnson the treatment with a pull for four. Get him up the order.
"Wood averages over 20 in first-class cricket, highest score 66."
Eng 278-8 (Wood 25 from 14 balls)
Alastair Cook leans over the England balcony, wearing his whites like a man who thinks he might be in the field tonight. If England bat past 18:20, there will be no time for the Aussies to get out there. What about a declaration now, give them a couple of sticky overs? Mark Wood! Fetch that! It's huge, massive. A dance to hit Lyon straight as you like, over the cameramen, past the tress and towards the river. It's out of the ground, but immediately thrown back. Did it nearly hit a jogger? Now the reverse sweep for four! England's lead is past 400. Cardiff is alive.
"I don't think anyone saw this coming, not even the England players. On top for all three days - they should buy the groundsman a bottle of champagne."
Eng 266-8 (lead by 388)
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With Mark Wood looking like he could play with his bat turned upside down, Australia summon Mitchell Johnson to put the wind up him. The slight issue with that plan is that Moeen faces the entire over, pushing it back in comfort.
Despite most of the day being played in glorious sunshine, the clouds have now rolled in to such an extent that the floodlights have been turned on. Crowd still reasonably quiet, bar the odd strain of a song. Mark Wood's at it again! Big cover drive, Shane Watson chugging after it so slowly they actually run four. That's woken the crowd up.
Tenuous links to cricketers
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Ed Thorpe: I once stood behind Ben Hollioake in a McDonalds cue...
Harry Carr: My old philosophy tutor was married to Sachin Tendulkar's cousin.
Robin Parmiter: My brother once babysat W G Grace's grandson's Basset Hound.
Eng 261-8 (lead by 383)
Sorry, Jimmy, but the Lara nickname you've worn proudly for so long must now be given to Mark Wood. The Durham man, facing Mitchell Starc's 90mph bombs, gets on to his toes and plays a one-legged pull shot in front of square for four. What else does he have in his locker? There's a lot to like about Wood's cricket. Whole-hearted bowling, dogged batting. Under half an hour left in the day.
Vote results
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We asked how many runs England need before they declare - and 42.9% of you reckoned 450.
Some 37% thought 400 would be enough, while 11.2% said England needed to be 500 in front.
This mini collapse may render any talk of declarations irrelevant anyway...
Eng 253-8 (63 overs)
Still Lyon, who has bowled well this evening. Wood, not looking like a man who will throw his wicket away, takes one, then Moeen gets on the slog sweep for a boundary. England may well already have enough, but I suspect most fans would like to see the 400 lead - a psychological milestone.
"I don't think its a terror pitch but it demands a certain way of playing. I was very worried it was going to be a tedious draw because batsmen were going to get in. Most of modern cricket is very good quality, there are a lot of results these days. In the sixties when I started there were a lot of draws which wasn't good for cricket. Young kids grow up now, Root is a perfect example, being more positive in T20 and one-day cricket. People have got used to expecting wins."
Eng 246-8 (lead by 368)
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In all the talk of careless batting, Mark Wood has shown himself capable of hanging around in his short Test career. He gets stuck in against Starc, who is still touching 90mph. Moeen would do well to trust Wood, and not play the type of airy off-stump swish that almost sends him back.
Tenuous links to cricketers
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Niall Smith: On the way to a cricket match in my car, I indicated to let Mark Butcher pull out in front of me.
Joe Robinson: I once flagged Mark Ramprakash offside when he was playing football for Corinthian Casuals against my old school.
Thomas Lynch: The tattooist who tattooed my leg has also tattooed Tim Bresnan.
Eng 245-8 (Lyon 16-4-50-3)
I haven't given Hazlewood enough credit there. It was a brilliant catch, taken inches above the turf in baseball-mitt hands. Mark Wood the new man, charged with hanging around to accompany Moeen Ali. There's a nagging feeling that England are messing this up, ever so slightly. Then again, they might already have enough.
"Hazlewood ran in, a big fella, kept his eyes on the ball, diving forward and caught it inches from the deck. He had a lot to do to catch it. Anyone will tell you diving forward is tough because it can hit you in the teeth."
WICKET
Broad c Hazlewood b Lyon 4 (Eng 245-8)
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England are getting careless, batting as if they already have enough. This time it's Stuart Broad, swiping Nathan Lyon straight. Josh Hazlewood comes in from long-off and takes a very, very good catch, diving forwards. That chink of light that Australia have is getting brighter. England will kick themselves all the way to Lord's if they lose this by two wickets.
Tenuous links to cricketers
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Martin Palmer: I played pool until 4:00 in the morning with Athers, Freddie & Fairbrother in a hotel in Derby. My wife came down to the bar (in her nightie) wondering where I was. She got a lot of stick from the boys.
Eng 244-7 (Starc 14-4-51-2)
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England have lost their last three wickets for 33 runs, their last two for four runs. Stuart Broad is the new man, the field set for some chin music. Broad sitting on the back foot, so Starc goes very full. Broad just about keeps it out. Could the Aussies even be batting again tonight?
"I don't think this is such a bad thing from England's point of view - and maybe, from a psychological viewpoint, from Australia's, who will think 'at least we bowled them out twice'."
WICKET
Stokes b Starc 42 (Eng 240-7)
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Through a touch of recklessness, England might be allowing Australia the slightest chink of light. Now it's Ben Stokes on the way back, aiming a drive at Mitchell Starc but only inside-edging on to his own stumps. I'm all for the aggression, but England's over-aggression has given Australia a very minor chance. Some discretion could have batted them out of the game.
How's stat?!
BBCCopyright: BBC
Dropped catch
Eng 236-6
All happening. Moeen Ali is dropped from the second ball he faces. Turn for Lyon, Moeen driving, the ball hitting Brad Haddin's gloves and flying through the hands of Michael Clarke at slip. Looking again at the Buttler dismissal, the ball definitely hit his glove - he was actually some distance away from hitting it with the bat. This game is bumping along quickly.
"That wasn't a good shot selection from Buttler, there is such a short boundary and men up."
WICKET
Buttler c Haddin b Lyon 7 (Eng 236-6)
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Hmmmm... this doesn't look great. Jos Buttler is out reverse-sweeping Nathan Lyon, the ball hitting his glove and looping up for a simple catch to Brad Haddin. I've got no problem with England getting on with it, but Buttler is a man of such power. Maybe look to belt straight? Buttler may, and I stress may, have walked there too. Sporting.
Tenuous links to cricketers
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Jerry, Kathmandu: My friend had a date pinched by Chris Gayle. He and his date got into the lift up to the restaurant, Chris Gayle walked in after and by the time the lift had got to the restaurant's floor the girl had decided to go with Chris Gayle instead.
David Bedding: My mum and dad had a bathroom shop in Billericay, Graham Gooch once came in to buy a bathroom and sat on the loos in the showroom to try them for size! His Merc was parked outside with licence plate LBW 333.
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Eng 236-5
Nice, Ben Stokes. He guides a short ball from Mitchell Starc to the third man boundary - after adjusting from his original plan to pull the ball.
T20 Blast
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Brendon McCullum, Adil Rashid and James Faulkner are all in T20 Blast action tonight. Make sure you follow all of the action with our dedicated live text and radio commentaries.
Eng 227-5 (Stokes 38 from 54 balls)
Thwack! Ben Stokes, he of the idiosyncratic bat sweep at the end of each over, does some more conventional sweeping, belting Lyon in front of square for four. And again! Four more. Stokes is ticking now. We could have one helluva last hour.
Tenuous links to cricketers
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Calum Rea: My Dad did Allan Lamb's patio.
Jules Ratcliffe: My mum played golf with Andrew Strauss' mum. I think she won.
Chris Jupp: My boss's former room mate was Jack Russell's cousin.
Eng 222-5 (lead by 344)
Interesting move. Josh Hazlewood, who has bowled well, out of the attack. Mitchell Starc, wincing the night away, back in. Oh, that's nice from Stokes, straight down the ground, just to the leg side of the non-striker's stumps. Australia keep turning to Starc, despite that obvious injury. Haven't seen Mitchell Johnson for a while.
"The little things haven't gone Australia's way in this game, but you earn the right for them to go your way - and over the three days England have been the better side."
Eng 217-5
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To explain, Stokes played a reverse sweep off Nathan Lyon, with Michael Clarke moving well from slip to take the catch. It looked immediately like a bump-ball, but Haddin is leaping around. To humour the Aussie keeper, the umpires send it upstairs, but Stokes has clearly hit it into the ground.
Third umpire
Eng 217-5
Brad Haddin's excited, but no one else is. Ben Stokes caught at slip? We need another look.
Scorecard update
England 216-5 (54 overs) - lead by 338
Stokes 26*, Buttler 2*
Fall of wickets: 17-1 (Cook 12), 22-2 (Ballance 0), 73-3 (Lyth 37), 170-4 (Bell 60), 207-5 (Root 60)
"A great day for England, more than they would have hoped for at the start of play. It's as good an Ashes day as we've seen from England for a long while."
Drinks break
Eng 216-5
There's quite a bit to like about Josh Hazlewood. Tall, athletic, good action, will run in all day. Would actually say he's quite an English-style fast bowler. He takes us to a drinks break, when at least four different subs run on wearing orange bibs. How many people does it take to carry the drinks?
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Tenuous links to cricketers
Ian Dawson: My mate's ex-girlfriend broke up with him to go out with Jade Dernbach.
Greg: My work colleague is married to Alastair Cook's brother, Adrian.
Nick Morris: I was once offered a fag by Tuffers, during an evening at my college bar.
Eng 213-5 (Stokes 26, Buttler 0)
There's some mind games going on out there. Ben Stokes has a habit, a superstition, of sweeping his bat in a circle at the end of each over. Imagine him putting it on the ground and drawing an arc inside the crease. Twice now Nathan Lyon and David Warner have stood in the way, preventing him from doing it. Lyon has his shoe off, Warner is there having a chat. Stokes waits, then does it anyway. Might have guessed it from Warner. He probably classes that as subtlety.
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Tenuous links to cricketers
PACopyright: PA
Dave Johnson: My Grandad bought a car off Andy Caddick's mum.
Eng 211-5 (lead by 334)
Nathan Lyon has switched ends, now twirling his offies with the River Taff at his back. Ben Stokes, losing his mate Joe Root, isn't going into his shell, reverse-sweeping for four. England likely to be 400 ahead tonight.
How's stat?!
BBCCopyright: BBC
Eng 207-5 (Hazlewood 12-1-46-2)
Yep, looking again, that delivery has done plenty off the seam. Hazlewood got it to nip back in to Root, who was actually bowled off his pads. Hazlewood has had a decent game, probably the most consistent of the Aussie seamers. Having said that, he isn't asking new man Jos Buttler to play.
"Hazlewood gets one to nip back and from nowhere Joe Root has gone. He was batting with such comfort and ease - it was just a lapse in concentration. What a start to the series Root has had - 134 in the first innings, now 60 in the second. He's a real class act."
WICKET
Root b Hazlewood 60 (Eng 207-5)
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Gone! When Australia finally bowl at the stumps, the get their rewards. Josh Hazlewood does the damage with the first ball of a new spell. Just back of a length, keeping low, Joe Root stuck on the back foot and losing his furniture. However, England might not mind the sight of that uneven bounce. Even now, Australia's chase looks tough on a pitch that is misbehaving.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of questions asked of Australia if this game goes the way it looks likes it will go."
Eng 207-4 (Watson 5-0-23-0)
The problem with Watson's plan of bowling outside Stokes' off stump is that, if he gets it slightly wrong, someone has to chase leather. Short and wide, cut for four. When Watson re-adjusts, full and straight, Stokes clips through mid-wicket for another boundary. It's the perfect example of how Australia have struggled with the ball in this match - too many four-balls. England, in contrast, were exemplary. Didn't anyone really expect England to out-bowl the Aussies?
"Roger Federer is a huge cricket fan. He doesn't just love it - he's got an intimate knowledge of it. He knows his short leg from silly point, let's put it that way."
You can watch the Fed in action against Andy Murray in the Wimbledon semi-final by clicking here.
Eng 199-4 (Root 60, Stokes 13)
Still dark in Cardiff. Can someone ask that cloud to move away from the sun, please? Lyon, skippy, spinny. Turn back in to the front pad of Joe Root. England already leading by 300 and plenty - how many do they want? Bat until lunch tomorrow? Past that? There's talk of rain on Sunday.
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Tenuous links to cricketers
Alex Bennett: I used to work with a lady who's brother-in-law was Graham Thorpe. Her sister was married to him.
Tim Warren: My wife, Jenny, is a descendant of John Wisden's brother (he had no known children of his own).
Eng 197-4 (lead by 319)
Ben Stokes is chuckling to himself, but I've got no idea why. There's no one near him, no one has said anything. Is he the sort of bloke that can just make himself laugh? In the crowd, there's five England dressed as Moeen, beards and all. They must be warm, though the sun has disappeared and the breeze is getting up. Still Watson, looking to hang the ball out there, Stokes cutting for four.
A monumental debut
AFPCopyright: AFP
Kagiso Rabada - a 20-year-old South African fast bowler - has enjoyed an amazing debut for the Proteas, taking a hat-trick as part of a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh in a one-day international in Mirpur.
He got rid of three of the top four then returned to mop up the tail as the hosts were skittled for 160 inside 37 overs. South Africa are currently 45-1.
Lyon, shaven-headed, skips in. There's turn, but slow turn. Not spitting or kicking. Root rolls the ball down town for a single, before Stokes gets cute with a reverse sweep. Not bat on it. England have come through that Starc barrage and the game has entered a more sedate passage. Bit of a battle of wills.
"When the ball is reverse swinging Shane Watson has got a magnificent wrist, perfectly behind the ball."
Eng 191-4 (26 overs remain)
Shane Watson into the attack, as pleased to be bowling as a man waiting for major dental surgery. Australia's plan will be for Watson to bowl dry, hang his medium-pacers outside the off stump and wait for a mistake. Australia pack the off side, meaning that a powerful Stokes drive can't get through. England in no rush, mind.
"Root has got to 50 in both innings three times in his last six Tests."
Eng 190-4 (Root 57, Stokes 7)
Spin, Nathan Lyon round the wicket to right-hander Root. A slip and a short leg, gaps a plenty to be milked. Conversation in the live text centres around our colleague, Jamie Lillywhite. His great-grandfather was the first ever captain of England, James Lillywhite. I love to heat tenuous relations to cricketers. Not 'I'm Alastair Cook's brother', but, 'my girlfriend's cousin once went out with Jonny Bairstow'.
"Root is worth his weight in gold. He has found his niche at number five and I think he'll be there for a long time to come."
Eng 187-4 (lead by 309)
Starc still bowling thunderbolts, heat-seeking yorkers homing in on the toes of Ben Stokes. The sun just dips behind a cloud as Stokes defends, trying to weather the storm. If he gets through this, then bats to the close, England could be out of sight. At the moment, Joe Root is averaging more than 57, the highest of any England batsman since 1968.
Post update
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50 for Joe Root
"Na, na, na, na, nah, nah, nah naah. Nah, nah, nah naaaaah, Joe Roooooot." That's the song of Cardiff, ringing around the capital when Root goes to a 67-ball half-century, his second 50+ score in the match. During his first-innings ton, Michael Vaughan said we are witnessing the making of a legend. Agree? Looking again at the Ben Stokes non-lbw, the Aussies might have thought he got an inside edge. They were fooled by the fact it hit both pads. Incidentally, Steve Smith appealed from cover, but no one paid any attention.
Vote - When should England declare?
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How much of a lead do England need in this Test? 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500?
Vote using the tab above if you're on a mobile, or by clicking on the options on the right-hand side of this page if you're on a good old Amstrad.
Ooohhh, Ben Stokes, that is a handsome straight drive. The George Clooney of cricket strokes (feel free to insert name of other handsome man, his was the first that came to mind). Even on one leg, Starc is still cranking the speedo past 90mph, hitting Stokes on the pads. No appeal. Australia should have done, though. The replays show that would have cannoned into leg stump. Stokes gets away with one. Later in the same over, the Aussies finally appeal, but that looks to be going down. Starc is bowling at almost 94mph!
Quiz time
A Question of Sport Teaser
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Earlier we asked which four players made their Test debuts in the 2013 Ashes series in England?
The answers are: Ashton Agar, James Faulkner, Simon Kerrigan (above) and Chris Woakes.
How many did you get?
Eng 173-4 (Root 46, Stokes 1)
Australia have a leg-side sweeper, despite Stokes having only just come to the crease. Johnson, the sort of bouncy hair you see in a shampoo advert, hits the England all-rounder on the back leg, then is taken through the leg side for a single. The Barmies alternate between Bread of Heaven and Delilah. It's like Now That's What I Call Welsh Favourites.
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Andy Weller: (Re 16:17 Gary Jones) Whose side are you on, mate!? Curse of the Live Text Watcher strikes again....
Eng 170-4
Stokes watches as Starc continues his hobble towards Joe Root, the ball still showing signs of keeping low every now and again. England fans have been momentarily hushed by that wicket, while the Aussies are oohing and aahing as Starc goes past the outside edge. The pitch doing a bit will please England, some 292 to the good.
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Andy in Birmingham: No need to rush the declaration, still two days left. Bat through tonight and tomorrow morning unleash Root, Buttler, Stokes and Ali in ODI mode and declare/get out by lunch but with a massive lead. Job done.
Eng 170-4 (Johnson 11-1-49-1)
It was nothing more than a straight, length ball. Bell, for whatever reason, played down Bakerloo, the wrong line. Ben Stokes the new man. He could take this game from Australia very quickly. That stand between Bell and Root was 97 in 20.2 overs.
"That wicket takes Johnson to 292 Test wickets, one in front of Craig McDermott. That was a strange shot by Bell. I think because he smoked that one over extra cover he was expecting a short one and he gave himself a bit of room and played all around it. Australia needed something to hang in there. A little bit of rain around they say on day five. Have Australia ever been saved by the rain? The way England are playing they could have a full day at Australia tomorrow."
WICKET
Bell b Johnson 57 (Eng 171-4)
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Bowled him! Where did that come from? One delivery after slapping Mitchell Johnson over cover as if he was some sort of 3rd XI trundler, Ian Bell is bowled neck and crop. Johnson back over the wicket, Bell hanging back like a man expecting the short ball, furniture rearranged. Finally, Johnson has a wicket in this match.
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From Gary Jones: Ok, I am going to say it first, we could get a whitewash this series. We are young and virile and on the up. The Aussies are not young and on the turn. I may have had two pints of lager in the sun but I do believe this (I think).
Eng 161-3 (lead by 283)
Cloudless blue in Cardiff. Sgt Pepper, dressed in pink, carries a few lagers back to his seat as Root drives Starc through the covers for a couple. Ever seen the film Inglourious Basterds? Starc has the look of Brad Pitt in that. Ball not doing much. A lot of hard yakka for the Aussies tonight, me thinks.
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Phil in Rugby: So with England 271 ahead at tea & 37 overs left to bowl, if they continue at 4 rpo that's a lead of 419 by the close…declare overnight which gives all day Saturday and whatever play we may get on Sunday to bowl them out.
Eng 158-3 (Bell 53, Root 39)
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Right then, let's be having you. It's the weekend, the sun is out. The smell of lager and barbecues is wafting through the office window as we enter the last hour of the working week. Excited? I bet you are. Mitchell Johnson - still wicketless in this match - after tea, gifting Joe Root four off his hips. How far might England be ahead by the close? Three an over would be the best part of 400.
"I'm not sure what's wrong with Starc because his feet placement when he lands are all very good - there are no real stresses that are not normal to fast bowling. I'm catching up with the Australian physio this evening so I will hopefully know more."
"Look at Starc follow through, this man is in pain. He's not leaving anyone guessing - he's got a problem."
Eng 153-3 (lead by 275)
I've heard a rumour that there's rather a big tennis match about to start at Wimbledon. I'd stick a decent wager on the fact the only place you can follow this match and the progress of Andy Murray at the same time is right here on the BBC Sport website. Imagine a British sporting weekend where England go 1-0 up in the Ashes, Murray wins Wimbledon and Chris Froome leads the Tour de France. Mitchell Starc is in turmoil, in obvious pain after every delivery. Will his tour consist of only one Test?
Former England spinner Robert Croft, now part of the Glamorgan coaching staff, on Welsh players: "One lad we had high hopes for James Harris, who went to Middlesex and had a couple of quiet years but seems to have found his feet now. We have a little bit of a gap with young Welsh players at Glamorgan now but we have a number of players from overseas so when we find our gems we hope the overseas stars will influence them."
Eng 149-3 (lead by 271)
The players are back out, Joe Root scratching at his guard. Mitchell Starc has the ball. There are 37 overs left in the day.
Post update
Thanks, Marc. Mr Higginson, lucky enough to have two sons, has just told me that Postman Pat now operates with a postal helicopter. Really? Can you land a helicopter in Greendale? One of my favourite my favourite books as a kid was 'Postman Pat plays for Greendale'. Tried his hand at cricket, did Pat. Off-breaks, I think. Bowled a doosra.
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Like Postman Pat, here's another man who always delivers: Mr Stephan Shemilt.
A ditty for Watto
BBCCopyright: BBC
Ian Young: Just in case the Barmy Army haven't come up with a song for Shane Watson yet, may I suggest:
More from Robert Croft: "People said about two spinners but I wouldn't have done. We had a survey done here and there are 11% more lbw and bowleds than any other ground in country cricket for seamers. Even though it does spin, the seam bowlers are very difficult to play."
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Go on then, who honestly predicted the first Test would pan out like this? There's certainly a mood of joyous disbelief among the England fans and followers in the Swalec. Meanwhile, the Australians are resorting to gallows humour. 'And now Australia are bowling Ian Bell into form,' quips seasoned cricket writer Peter Lalor as the England batsman brings up a classy fifty."
Former England spinner Robert Croft, who played 23 seasons at Cardiff: "The atmosphere is very friendly, we want everyone to have a good experience and we're seeing some tough cricket in the middle. I'm not aware of any directions to our groundstaff about producing a pitch.
"It's a little different to the norm in terms of pace and carry but what it does do is highlight a player's weaknesses and it's a big test of your concentration as a bowler or a batsman. This ground doesn't give up wins very easily but it does give defeats very easily."
Tennis reminder
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Let me take this opportunity to remind you about the titanic tennis showdown which is upon us at Wimbledon: Andy Murray v Roger Federer, with a place in the final at stake. Whether you're stuck at work or getting off early, or neither, you can watch all the action via your phone or tablet here.
"Excellent session for England, a scoring rate of 4.74, they really are playing with intent. There was a tricky period when Ballance was out but Bell came out with energy and a game to take on Australia and Joe Root is going to play in the same fashion. England are miles ahead in this Test match."
"It looks like the Ian Bell of old today. Against the spin I still think he's a bit edgy, I think he takes too many risks, but against the seamers he has played with a nice straight bat."
Tea - Eng 149-3
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
England troop off for tea and biscuits with a lead of 271. Firmly in control.
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AFPCopyright: AFP
Angus Fyfe: Awesome from Bell - one more failure and distinct chance he was gone.
Rupert Sutton: Great to see 50 for Bell, I was one of the naysayers before the series but glad to see him prove me wrong today.
Dan Randle: 50 up for Belly! He may not be in the best form but he remains as classy and elegant as ever! Great player!
"It's been a while in coming for Ian Bell but he's played so well, so much control on the front foot. Whenever he gets runs he is a pleasure to watch. I just think it's a confidence thing. Whenever he has his confidence he is as good as any and I just don't see why he loses it."
50 for Bell off 75 balls
Eng 149-3
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There it is... Ian Bell interrupts Jos Buttler's tea - the wicketkeeper still chewing on the balcony as he salutes Ian Bell's 43rd Test half-century which is brought up with a boundary.
"The way Starc is moving there has to be a question mark whether we will see him again in this series."
Eng 145-3 (Starc 6-3-25-1)
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Mitchell Starc is still touching 90mph despite having a sore ankle. Joe Root is patient and waits for one on his pads which he whips for four through square. Elegant.
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Richie in France: Every workplace has fed-up people, but has anyone ever looked more like they despise every single minute of their job more than Shane Watson when he plays cricket? Every time he goes for a run I expect him to just grab his cap and walk off the field, chuntering "what's the blinking point?"
Eng 141-3 (Bell 49, Root 27)
The crowd are really lapping this up - Ian Bell plays a sumptuous cover drive to the boundary which teases the diving Nathan Lyon on its way. No stopping those.
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Rahul Singh: The wheels are coming off this Aussie team. They came in with a great reputation, it just seems that it's just starting to fall apart for them just like England Down Under in 2013-14.
Eng 137-3 (lead by 259)
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Josh Hazlewood to Ian Bell. Four. The runs are piling up.
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Matt from Oxford: Aussies are a never-say-die side and despite this brilliant performance by England methinks we might need every single run. It's easy to forget they have the likes of Smith and co, who could easily score big despite the current situation. Can't wait for the chase but hoping it's not until at least lunchtime tomorrow!
Eng 133-3 (Bell 41, Root 27)
Who grades bowlers? Shane Watson is classed as fast-medium but he's more medium-fast these days as he sends one down at 75mph which bounces twice on its way through to the keeper. I'm going to start a campaign to have him regraded.
Brad Haddin moves to stand behind the wicket midway through the over and leaves his slips in their normal position. Joe Root nudges two to spoil any thoughts of a maiden over.
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Ian Long: Sunday forecast not looking promising. Declare at lunchtime tomorrow to ensure we don't run out of time. Coincidentally I have tickets for tomorrow.
Colin Muir: Need to be wary of the forecast for Sunday, overs will be lost, so must give ourselves time to take the wickets.
Eng 131-3 (run-rate 4.05)
For those wondering who Mitchell Marsh is... he's basically the Australian Ben Stokes. He hits a long ball and bowls seam at a decent lick.
The television cameras are currently seeking out Merv Hughes in the Australian-populated stands. Best check at the bar, lads. He's getting them in. Two from Josh Hazlewood's latest over.
"Word is the reason Watson was chosen ahead of Mitchell Marsh was because of his bowling and the fact he can get more control. Well he didn't bowl that many overs in the first innings so he is going to have to bowl well here to justify his selection."
"The fifty partnership and the 10th of the match. The most in a match is 17."
Eng 129-3 (lead by 251)
Shane Watson looks like he hates bowling. You'd never see him doing star jumps in his captain's eyeline in a bid to turn his arm over. He rolls his eyes when Joe Root thick-edges to the boundary and then flashes another four over the slip cordon. The 50 partnership is now up, in 62 balls.
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Naveed Afzal: Holy sugar just seen the Ashes score and England are DOMINATING. Damn you bloody traffic, need to get home.
Rob Meech: Been so impressed with how England have played in this First Test. An attacking mindset with bat and ball has served them well.
Eng 121-3 (lead by 243)
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The runs continue to rack up - three for Root and four byes via Ian Bell. Ten in the over. Time for some Shane Watson.
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Matthew Green: Just loving this attacking intent from England. Weather permitting they'll be no draws in this series.
Tony: This lunch to tea session is an early contender for most anxiety of the Ashes. Six runs an over, wickets falling like flies. Eep
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Dan, Leeds: With the team and captain showing far more positivity, it would be interesting for England to get far enough ahead to see when Cook would declare, having previously been noted for conservative declarations... We can but hope!
Barry Chandler: There's no rush, let's get a lead of 450+ and give ourselves 1 1/2 days to bowl them out. simples.
Eng 112-3 (Bell 37, Root 13)
If you were marooned on a desert island, it's hard to believe you would get bored of watching a DVD of Ian Bell's best cover drives. Providing you had a TV set and electricity of course.
He only gets three with his latest push - straight out of the screws - but that's alright because Joe Root hits four next up. Josh Hazlewood is frustrated and his line and length begins to err.
"Once you start playing catch-up cricket it's like having to come from two goals down in football. There's not going to be a collapse, Australia are in big, big trouble."
Eng 102-3 (lead by 224)
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Michael Clarke, standing in the slips, is the only Australian wearing a jumper - it's to protect his troublesome back from the breeze. I'm no body language expert, but as he stands beneath a floppy sun hat and turns up his collars I would suggest he's subconsciously retreating? England in control, but they could still let this slip. Nathan Lyon is finding his groove and he squares up Ian Bell with a fizzing spinner.
"This has been a very good cricket pitch. The first couple of balls were wide and went through low and people were criticising it, but look at the amount of runs and wickets there have been. This will be a result pitch. I don't think the draw will come into the equation, and England will be favourites."
"Bell's had two overs from the off spinner round the wicket and hasn't scored. If anything he should sashay down a little and drive just wide of mid-off or mid-on for a single."
Eng 101-3
Joe Root greets Josh Hazlewood's return to the bowling attack by guiding four through the backward point region. Rooooooooooot echoes round the stadium. Wales' new favourite sporting son? For the next couple of days at least.
Eng 97-3 (Bell 33, Root 4)
Nathan Lyon is going round the wicket to the right-handers, trying to run the ball across the bat and bring the slips into play - like he did in the 2013 series back in this country. England's earlier counter-attack has bought them the time to consolidate now and sit in. Surely another 120 from here is enough?
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Paul Divito: Are England far enough ahead to let Stokes and or Butler really try and move game forward? Amazing to even contemplate.
Jacob Jackson: If we can get a lead north of 320, it will take something special from those pesky Australians.
Glenn, Cambridge: All those criticising the groundsman before a ball was bowled on day one, I suggest you go find him and buy him an apologetic pint... and keep your fingers crossed there is still life in it for the England pace attack to make use of tomorrow!
Eng 97-3 (Root 4 off 12)
Resolute defence from Joe Root, who is playing around the more fluent Ian Bell. England's main man (Root) has every gear in the book, and he has the ability to pick which one to use. Canny.
"England will want a lead of 450 to 500. With the time left, that allows you to take the option of losing out of the game. They will want that but I don't think they're going to get it on this pitch."
Eng 97-3
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Mitchell Johnson wears the expression of a man who can't remember where he parked his car as memories of his destruction a couple of winters ago quickly dissipate. A huff, a puff from Johnson and the Aussie house is quickly falling down.
Eng 96-3 (Lyon 5-2-17-1)
Nathan Lyon whistles through a set of six, being milked for a solitary single by Ian Bell.
"We're only halfway through this match but I can't see how Australia can save it unless it rains. England are so much in control and I don't think Australia know how to play on it. That's not saying they're a poor side but on this surface they look a lot more ordinary. I don't think their batting is special."
Eng 95-3
Joe Root is beaten by the pace and almost gloves a bouncer from MJ behind.
Eng 95-3 (Bell 31, Root 4)
Joe Root looks disappointed in himself as he chases a wide one from Mitchell Johnson. He composes himself quickly though and flicks four off his pads and through the leg side. Staring back intently at the bowler he takes guard for the next delivery. He might laugh at his skipper copping one in the googlies in the field, but there's a real steel about him with bat in hand.
"Clarke is a bit between a rock and a hard place because he has got to get wickets. So he has to keep some attacking element to it, which gives the batsmen more chance of scoring runs."
Latest scorecard
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
England 91-3 (22 overs) - lead by 213
Bell 31* (34), Root 0 (3)
Fall of wickets: 17-1 (Cook 12), 22-2 (Ballance 0), 73-3 (Lyth 37)
Bowling figures: Johnson 6-1-25-0, Hazlewood 7-1-23-1, Starc 5-3-21-1, Lyon 4-2-16-1
If you wrote a book of cricket cliches, there would have to be a section on how the pitch is always written off as being bad on the first day of the match. Oh and 'the first hour tomorrow will be crucial'.
Anyway... Ian Bell continues to take the attack to Nathan Lyon and hits a couple of boundaries in succession. Motoring.
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Richard, London: Just as you talk about Lyth and Fish & Chips Michael Clarke gets the catch of the day!
Eng 83-3
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In the last 10 overs, England have scored their runs at almost six an over. No danger of them going into their shells here - and the firecrackers which inhabit their middle to lower order haven't batted yet.
"Bell can go into his shell a little bit if things are not going his way but that four was a majestic shot."
Food for thought
BBCCopyright: BBC
Eng 82-3 (lead by 204)
This match could be heading towards a superb conclusion. The pitch is doing all sorts now - spin for Nathan Lyon, daisy-cutters from the seamers and now Mitchell Johnson bowls a bumper which sails over everyone's heads and to the boundary for five wides. Ian Bell would need step ladders to reach that. The little fella then rubs salt into the wounds with a flashing drive to the extra cover boundary. Intent.
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Nick: Re Marc Arnot at 14.05: England top four is a "collective liability". Cook - two fifties and a hundred v NZ: Lyth - third test, hundred in only his 2nd: Ballance - out of form but gritty 50 in first inns and avge of over 50 in first 13 tests: Bell - over 7,000 test runs at nearly 44. Think before you tweet, Sir.
Eng 73-3
Don't fret, folks. Joe Root is the new man to the crease.
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Jufferjim, Sheffield: Lyth a bat out of Bell I'll be gone when the Moeen comes.
"It's not great batting from Adam Lyth, it was wide and he didn't have any need to play at this ball. It hit his glove that's why it came off so slowly and Clarke took a good low catch."
WICKET
Lyth c Clarke b Lyon 37 (Eng 73-3)
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Adam Lyth is no longer. In this innings anyway. It takes a Superman-like catch from first slipper Michael Clarke who, bad back and all, flings his creaking limbs to his left and just about gets his fingers to a catch - much to the delight of his bowler Nathan Lyon.
Eng 73-2 (Lyth 37, Bell 18)
Adam Lyth - from Whitby - looks like somebody who would know where to buy good fish and chips from. You'd buy a second-hand car from him too. Got one of those trusting faces.
He's coping quite well with Mitchell Johnson here - getting outside the line of a 91mph delivery which thunders into his pads and then getting a single which takes him to the sanctuary of the non-striker's end. Good move.
Eng 72-2
There's no doubt England are being positive here - Ian Bell taking on the short ball and hammering it for a single which brings up the 50 partnership in just 49 balls.
"Lyon is bowling the right line now to the left-hander. A lot of spinners sometimes make the mistake of bowling into the rough but the only possible way you will get a wicket is caught. If you bowl at the stumps you can get lbw and bowled into the equation as well."
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Ian Meth: The prophets of doom are 10 a penny on here today. Scoring at 4 an over against a depleted attack; nearly 200 ahead with 8 wickets in hand. Plenty of time left and a wicket that scoring over 250 to win would be am awesome achievement. My glass isn't half full - my cup runneth over.
Eng 71-2 (lead by 193)
Careful, Adam Lyth. Nathan Lyon gets one to grip in the pitch and it squares up the left-hander who is trapped on his crease. Loud appeal, but the umpire shakes his head. Another maiden.
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Sam, Bath: Some Lyth at the end of the tunnel.
Eng 71-2 (Lyth 36 off 49)
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Michael Clarke has turned to his trump card - Mitchell Johnson. He who returned no wickets in the first innings is running his fingers across the seam and trying to push the ball past Ian Bell's outside edge. He then bowls an inducker but Bell is too long in the tooth to be done by such tricks. At the moment, anyway. Maiden.
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Ben in Windsor: Some of Root's drives come close but there really is nothing more beautiful created by England than an Ian Bell cover drive. Come on Ian, quiet those ever chattering voices calling for you to be discarded with a big one!
"That six was an excellent shot, not one I'd recommend. To fetch it against the spin takes a lot of confidence, almost the arrogance of a man coming into the game. If he'd played for five years he would be wary of top edging it. I get the feeling Lyon is not so happy bowling to left-handers."
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Matthew Elms: Really enjoying the text commentary from Marc, very droll and entertaining!
Thanks Matthew, much appreciated... although the internet tells me that somebody who is droll is a jester or entertainer; or a buffoon. I'm probably the latter, to be fair.
Eng 71-2 (lead by 193)
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
This little counter-attack from England has taken their lead close to the 200 mark. The Aussies have turned to Nathan Lyon and Adam Lyth responds by getting down low and swatting a maximum into the leg-side stands. England are scoring their runs at 4.44 an over now.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"With the roars from inside the stands getting louder with every boundary, the concourses are alive with spectators racing to reclaim their seats after long, lazy lunches in the sun."
"It's either wickets or runs isn't it? Starc is definitely a worry. They say over seven times your body weight lands on your front foot when you bowl. To be a fast bowler you've got to be tough, not like these batsmen."
How's stat?!
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Eng 60-2
Adam Lyth is landing plenty of punches now - playing a baseball-style shot to plunder four down the ground, then using softer hands to guide another boundary to third man. The crowd are loving this. They've come to Lyth. Get it? I'll get my coat.
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James Boffey: Get Bell in form and I think this series is ours. Like Vaughan in 05. Just needs one score.
Coach Fozzie: Ian Bell batting beautifully. As in any sport it's all about "end-product" though, not just skills/technique/beauty.
Jimbo: It's time for The Sledgehammer of Eternal Justice to start cracking the spirit of this Aussie attack.
Eng 50-2 (Lyth 15, Bell 17)
There's a bloke in the crowd with a tartan flat cap on and binoculars draped round his neck. Oh... and he's got a terrific 'tash. He looks rather delighted to pop up on screen. I hope he's not phoned in sick today.
Adam Lyth decides to take on Josh Hazlewood and adds to four leg-byes with another boundary off the bat and through the off side. Ian Bell unfurls a glorious cover drive again - four more - and suddenly things look hunky-dory again.
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Matt Arnot: Great morning, but already going to need yet another @joeroot05 rescue act. Top four are a collective liability.
Michael Cassidy: Wheels a-wobbling on the England wagon. Time for the Duke of Bellington to perform.
Warren Lynch: If England can get to 200 a lead of 300 plus they will fancy their chances on this deck!
"Bell looks a lot more confident that he did first innings but Mitchell Starc is a concern, he is limping after every ball and he has been the big wicket-taker for Australia."
Eng 35-2 (lead by 157)
That's the Ian Bell we all know and love - the right-hander leans into two delightful cover drives to Mitchell Starc and the ball whistles to the boundary.
The timing of a Swiss watch. He's been more car dashboard clock in recent times but hopefully that's a sign of his form returning.
Vote result
PACopyright: PA
We asked at lunch who will be England's top-scorer in the second innings.
The votes are now in, and the well-informed readers of the BBC cricket live text are backing Joe Root.
England's first-innings centurion got 47% of the vote, with Ian Bell his closest challenger on 15.9% and Ben Stokes 11.6%.
Do you know your gully from your mid-wicket?
Sat in the office and wondering what on earth a slip fielder is? Hopefully this little graphic will help today. You can find out more on how to get involved with cricket via our Get Inspired page.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Eng 27-2 (Hazlewood 6-1-12-1)
If you want to teach your son or daughter how to bowl seam, get them to watch a video of Josh Hazlewood. Bowling with decent pace (around 82mph) and lift, he is targeting the batsman's off stump and nipping the ball off the seam just enough to interest the slip catchers. It's what some cricket folk would term as bowling in the batsman's 'corridor of uncertainty'.
Ian Bell is off the mark with four down to third man.
"This has been a far better start by Australia. They have watched the way England went about it and it's all about keeping it tight and building pressure. Is this a big innings for Bell?"
Eng 22-2 (Lyth 8, Bell 0)
A maiden over from Mitchell Starc, who is touching speeds of 90mph despite being in obvious pain with an injured ankle. Made of strong stuff that lad.
How's stat?!
BBCCopyright: BBC
Eng 22-2 (lead by 144)
The Aussies have their gander up now - Mitchell Starc bowling a jaffa to Adam Lyth who is beaten on the outside edge. There's an appeal for caught behind, but the ball just flicked the pad. Ian Bell is the new batsman.
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James Gulleford: England's top order failing again! We are the team well ahead in the match and yet we are scoring at 2 runs an over! Pathetic!
Patrick Brennan: Let's just start each innings 30-3 with a 15 over old ball and save ourselves some time.
Evan Samuel: Oh, for god's sake, don't give me hope Australia. I couldn't take it. Well bowled though Mr Hazlewood.
"That one really took off and that's what Hazlewood can do, he's tall and he gets extra bounce."
WICKET
Ballance c Haddin b Hazlewood 0 (Eng 22-2)
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The perfect over from Josh Hazlewood, who is on the money with every ball - all of them straight and offering a hint of movement to the left-handers. When the bowler drags back his length a little, and with it gets a little extra lift, Gary Ballance tries to drop his hands but gets an edge behind to a gleeful Brad Haddin. A duck for England's first innings glue.
"Australia have to come out and look to build pressure. If they come out and look to take wickets the game could get away from them with too many quick runs for England."
Sledge watch
Eng 21-1
You miss, I hit. Josh Hazlewood is bowling a tight line and length to Adam Lyth, and is trying to nip the ball slightly off the seam in either direction. After one resolute forward press from Lyth, the bowler spits a little verbal.
"Australia need something to lift them - they're miles behind in this game."
Eng 21-1
Not out. Good review to some extent though... Adam Lyth was playing down the wrong line to a straight one there. The ball, however, was only just about hitting the wickets - meaning the umpire sticks with his original call.
Eng 21-1
Big, big appeal when Josh Hazlewood hits the pads of Adam Lyth. Not out... but the Aussies review it.
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Let's rock and roll. The afternoon session is under way.
Hurry up, Elvis...
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Scorecard
BBCCopyright: BBC
Post update
First thing's first... who voted James Anderson as England's leading run scorer in this innings? There's 3.2% of you at the moment. Pessimists? Or Aussies?
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Thanks Stephan. Bring back some fish and chips (he's off to sample the Friday specials in the canteen).
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Right then, I'm out of here for the afternoon. Marc Higginson is taking my place in the hot seat. Look after him.
Listen abroad
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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.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Andy: On the subject of that vote - I'd like it to be known I am 0.4% who voted for Mark Wood - I slipped...
Over-tonne or Under-tonne?
Blue PeterCopyright: Blue Peter
Do 10,000 cricket balls weigh more or less than a tonne? This is just one of the questions that will be asked on next week's Blue Peter as they play 'Over-tonne or Under-tonne?' in which contestants have to guess whether a series of objects weigh more or less than a tonne. And who are the two best people to play said quiz? Why, the latest additions to England's one-day squad, twins Craig and Jamie Overton... Over-tonne. Over a tonne. Because their name... it sounds... you know, similar... Ahem.
Here is today's Ashes #QSTeaser from @QuestionofSport: Which four players made their Test debuts in the 2013 Ashes series in England?
We'll bring you the answers later.
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On the subject of that vote, I have pointed out to my gaffer that Alastair Cook is currently England's top-scorer and we've not included him as one of the options...
Vote - who will top-score for England?
Who do you think will top-score for England in the second innings?
Analyst Simon Hughes is talking the TMS listeners through the vagaries of the batting trigger movements now, joined by Alec Stewart, who knows a bit about batting having made 8,463 runs in his record 133 Tests for England.
There is also a video on the BBC website from Simon featuring an interview with England captain Alastair Cook to further explain trigger movements.
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The only cloud in the Cardiff sunshine was the early departure of Alastair Cook, driving Mitchell Starc to point. Starc, by the way, is basically bowling on one leg due to an ankle injury. England lunch at 21-1, their lead stretched to 143.
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Can you believe the morning that England have had? It started with Stuart Broad pinning Shane Watson lbw and snowballed from there. Mark Wood trapped Nathan Lyon, then James Anderson got to work with the new ball. Brad Haddin caught behind, Mitchell Starc caught at third slip, either side of Mitchell Johnson chipping Broad to square leg. In all, Australia's final six wickets went down for 60 runs. 308 all out, England 122 ahead.
"A good session for England, although Australia have fought their way back with that wicket. What would concern me more is the pitch, those balls that have swung round corners. You get the feeling Starc could be destructive but England undoubtedly on top with a really healthy lead."
Lunch - Eng 21-1
Gary Ballance survives and we go to lunch at the end of a morning that has well and truly belonged to England. Could anyone have predicted they way they ran through Australia this morning? Australia 308 all out, England now 21-1, a lead of 143. Frankly, it is their Test match to lose.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"A seagull is circling menacingly over a full-to-bursting Swalec Stadium. No doubt awaiting Henry Blofeld's venture from the press box to the lunchtime buffet."
Eng 21-1
And another. Starc bowling some howitzers. Ballance needs a wider bat to hit these.
Eng 21-1
Oofff, that is an absolute rozzer from Starc, swinging away from Ballance's grope. Three balls to go.
Eng 21-1 (lead by 143)
All of a sudden, things are happening for Australia. Hazlewood gets Lyth to edge for four, then screams for lbw after one nips back. Nothing doing, umpire's call for the clip of leg stump. If it had been given out on the field, Lyth would not have got it overturned. Good over from Hazlewood. England have one more to get through before lunch.
Updates on the move
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Don't forget that if you're struggling to listen to TMS or to 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.
Try it out later. You can even get the updates abroad.
Eng 17-1 (Starc 1-1-0-1)
PACopyright: PA
So a little jab back from Australia, who badly needed to land blow. Graeme Swann is right, that ball took a huge chunk of dust when it landed but, frankly, it was so wide that it seems unlikely that part of the pitch will have much of a say in the rest of the match. Gary Ballance is the new man.
"Some good swing from Starc, the ball took a little puff of dust out of the wicket. Cook hit it pretty well, he had every right to drive, you have to look to be positive. England were looking to hammer home the lead but the fall of the wicket will offer a little chink of light to the Australians."
WICKET
Cook c Lyon b Starc 12 (Eng 17-1)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Where did that come from? From nowhere, Australia have the boost that they so desperately need. Even on one leg, it's Mitchell Starc who entices an error from Alastair Cook. A full ball, swinging away, Cook driving to point, where Nathan Lyon takes a very good catch, low to the ground. It has been England's morning, but that has stunned Cardiff into silence.
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John Collins: A Johnson bouncer effortlessly pulled for 4 now rivals an Aussie scrum going backwards as my favourite sporting sight.
Steve C Lawley: Lets not get to far ahead of ourselves. At one stage in the previous test against the WI we were 39 for 5 in 2nd Inns and lost.
Matt Flecknoe: Let's not get too carried away, the Aussies could just turn it on at some point but so good from England so far.
Eng 15-0
It is Starc, a pronounced limp after he delivers his first ball. Big concern for Australia both in this match, the one that start at Lord's on Thursday and the rest of this series.
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Kris Evans: Re Chris Rogers, yes it would if he is red blue colour blind, I'm red green and struggle to see the duke in the grass
Eng 15-0 (Lyth 3, Cook 12)
Mitchell Starc is getting loose, so perhaps he'll test his troublesome ankle before the interval. Lyth goes back to being watchful, shuffling across his crease with a two-footed trigger movement. Comparing the use of the two new balls we've seen this morning, Australia have not been nearly as dangerous as England. Too wide from Hazlewood.
"With a short session before lunch it's almost impossible for the bowlers not to strive too hard to get a wicket rather than just put it in the right areas as you normally would."
Close!
Eng 15-0
How on earth has Adam Lyth got away with this? An attempted cut off Johnson, lobbing high into the off side. It's going towards Chris Rogers at mid-off, only Rogers doesn't move. When he does finally grind the gears into action, it's too late, and the ball plops to safety. I'm told that Rogers is colour-blind. Does that hamper the spotting of red leather in blue sky? Maybe four overs or so to go before lunch.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
BBCCopyright: BBC
"There's a strong superhero theme in the colourful Cardiff crowd today."
Eng 14-0 (lead by 136)
Hazlewood to Lyth, who is short of stature and, well, lithe. This is good from Hazlewood, on and around off stump, bowling the sort of length that will exploit any uneven bounce. Three slips, gully, leg gully, Lyth watchful to take a single on the leg side. Overhead, it really feels like a batting day. Can England ram it home?
"Looking at the body language of the Australians, there are three with arms folded, two with hands on hips, one staring at his feet, whereas Alastair Cook has his chest puffed out."
Eng 13-0 (Lyth 1, Cook 12)
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Fetch! Don't both those half-trackers to Alastair Cook, Mitchell Johnson. Dragged down, Cook pulling in front of square for four. Right there, in that one delivery, is the difference between the two sides. Whereas England bowled with unerring accuracy, Australia have served up too many loose balls.
How's stat?!
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Eng 5-0 (lead by 127)
Josh Hazlewood shares the new ball. No real pace - around about 82mph - and a decent probe of Cook's off stump before a horrible half-tracker has Brad Haddin scrambling around in the dirt. Just a single from it, earning a ripple of applause. Brilliant sunshine in Wales, perfect conditions for watching in cricket, probably with a pint in hand. If you lucky enough to have a ticket in Cardiff, I envy you.
Echoes of Edgbaston
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John: 308 all out....wasn't that the Australian first innings score at Edgbaston 2005?
Absolutely right, John. Australia were indeed bowled out for 308 in their first innings at Edgbaston in 2005, responding to England's rapidly-scored 407. We all remember what happened next... England dismissed for 182 in their second innings before securing the most agonising, nail-biting but ultimately exhilarating two-run win. The lesson: still a long way to go.
Eng 4-0 (lead by 126)
Lyth pushes a single to get England under way as Starc walks around the boundary edge. He's definitely limping, but he's in his whites and looks ready to join the action. Three slips and a gully for Johnson, swinging the bal, away from Cook, who pushes behind square for a a well-run three. Big cheers in Cardiff. Partisan is an understatement.
"Australia will have to get two wickets before lunch to get back in the contest. They were looking so comfortable yesterday afternoon, there was talk of 600."
Eng 0-0
Here come the England openers, Alastair Cook and Adam Lyth. Lyth didn't hang around too long in the first dig and is facing up to Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell Starc, who has had an ankle problem, is not on the field. Problems mounting for Australia.
The chastened Australians are already back out, limbering up for what has to be a big assault on the England batting if they are to have any chance of getting back in this match. Remember, England lead by 122 runs. If they are still batting at this time tomorrow, they are likely to be out of sight. However, there's talk of rain on Sunday. Could it be 2009 in reverse?
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Richie Macca: Now, that is how you clean up a tail. Push on today, and let's have a lead of 400 by the close.
Chris Naylor: Top bowling from England. Well and truly turned the screw this morning.
Srihari: Even the most optmistic England fan couldn't have foreseen this.Now, some sensible batting and it will be first blood to England.
"I thought the bowlers today stuck to those lengths and lines, Cook has had a terrific innings and set some good fields and they have bowled in partnerships. England have done that better than Australia, who didn't really build up an over for their team-mates."
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Just tuning in? Don't rub your eyes, don't stare at the score in disbelief. England really have run through the Aussie tail like a dose of salts. New ball, old ball, golf ball, beach ball. Didn't matter. Stuart Broad started by pinning Shane Watson lbw, Mark Wood followed by doing the same to Nathan Lyon. After that, James Anderson delved into the dark arts of new-ball bowling. In the Cardiff sunshine, it has been perfect morning for England.
End-of-innings scorecard
Australia 308 (84.5 overs) - first-innings deficit of 122
Rogers 95, Clarke 38, Smith 33
Fall of wickets: 52-1 (Warner 17), 129-2 (Smith 33), 180-3 (Rogers 95), 207-4 (Clarke 38), 258-5 (Voges 31), 265-6 (Watson 30), 265-7 (Lyon 6), 304-8 (Haddin 22), 306-9 (Johnson 14), 308 all out (Starc 0). Not out: Hazlewood 2
"What a catch that is from Joe Root, they have caught well in this game so far. Late swing from Anderson and just a bit of a half warning to England that this game is not won yet. It's a massive lead but any team with Starc, Johnson and Hazlewood could easily turn the game back if it swings like this."
WICKET
Starc c Root b Anderson 0 (Aus 308 all out)
What a catch! What a way for England to wrap up the Australia innings. A thick edge from Mitchell Starc, Joe Root flying to his left at third slip to grab it in both hands. Remember the finger-on-lips send-off Starc gave to Ben Stokes? Root gives Starc one back. Australia are 308 all out, England lead by 122 runs. The Aussies lost their last six wickets for 50 runs.
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Chris Gamlin Andrews: Superb cricket. It's amazing how much this England side has changed in the last few months.
Ben Smith: Friday afternoon, sun shining and England steaming through the Aussie tail. Can't get much better.
Matthew Vernon: For all the criticism that's come his was over the past 2 years, Alistair Cook has had a superb 2 and a bit days as captain.
Aus 308-9 (Broad 17-4-60-2)
Josh Hazlewood is the last man, another left-hander. England have taken 4-42 this morning. Could even the most optimistic England fan have hoped for that? The trumpeter plays The Final Countdown. England will certainly hope so. Their lead is still in excess of 100. Even a second-innings score of 250 from England would leave the Aussies 350 to chase. Unlikely.
"It's all going England's way, everything they try is working - what a morning this is. I don't think anyone would have expected four wickets to fall so quickly. The pitch is starting to do a bit more so whatever the lead is it is going to be a really good one."
WICKET
Johnson c Ballance b Broad 14 (Aus 306-9)
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Australia are rolling over and having their tummy tickled. Mitchell Johnson plays the sort of shot that looks good in the nets but, in the middle, has him coming a cropper. Stuart Broad the bowler, a clip off the pads, straight to Gary Ballance at square leg. England one wicket away from batting again.
"That was as good as you'll see from England. Now they've got to clean it up, they've got to end up with a lead of 100. I'm starting to see some cracks develop in the Australian team. Watson just keeps getting out the same way, he'll have all sorts of problems now because he knows what's going to come."
Aus 304-8 (Anderson 18-6-43-2)
The players took drinks as Mitchell Starc made his way to the crease, joining his namesake and fellow left-hander. Starc survives his first ball, the final one of Anderson's over. What's the Aussie approach now? Dog it out? Shoot from the hip?
"It was a lovely line and length, Haddin playing back as a lot of Australians do because of the pace of their pitches. It just did a bit, perfectly in the corridor, and Buttler caught it low down. Very different from Haddin, who dropped Joe Root."
WICKET
Haddin c Buttler b Anderson 22 (Aus 304-8)
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It just had to come. James Anderson has been swinging the new ball around corners and, eventually, he was just too good for Brad Haddin. A perfect away-swinger, Haddin prodding, an edge well taken low down by the tumbling Jos Buttler. The Barmies sing Anderson's name, Haddin trudges back. England are all over the Aussies.
Punter on Braddin
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Ricky Ponting offers some insight into Brad Haddin on Sky Sports, saying the wicketkeeper is very particular about his bats, how his shoes are lined up. Nasser Hussain suggests Alec Stewart was the same... not so much Mike Atherton.
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Jon Dunn: If the only thing that Trevor Bayliss improves is our bowling to the tail it'll make a huge difference.
Aus 299-7 (Haddin 18, Johnson 11)
Simon Richardson has tweeted to say that Mitchell Johnson is the spit of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. I don't see it. Stuart Broad to share the new ball, more movement away from right-hander Haddin with three grabbers waiting in the slips. Haddin uncertain, back foot coming round to point down the wicket, squared up. England good with the new ball, threatening.
Immediate swing for Anderson, hoop back into Haddin. One moves so much that it misses everything, including the dive of Jos Buttler, and runs for four byes. There's also some uneven bounce, mainly low. England won't mind that if Australia have to bat last. There's the away-swinger, Haddin squaring up and playing down the wrong line. Anderson could swing an orange, never mind the new leather, he's got an enchanted right wrist. Somehow, despite looking like man fumbling for the light switch, Haddin survives.
Post update
New ball
Aus 292-7
80 overs up, new ball taken. James Anderson summoned. The trumpeter plays him in.
Watch out for the seagull shower
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Earlier, you might have heard about Henry Blofeld's unfortunate clash with some seagulls. You can hear more about the run-in here.
Aus 292-7
Yep, miles down the leg side. The real story is that Brad Haddin has taken exception to England's cheek, having a word with bowler Ben Stokes. James Anderson gets involved too. England are perfectly entitled to ask for a review, Bradley. There's four umpires in Cardiff to make decisions, we don't need a fifth. You just worry about your batting.
Umpire review
Aus 291-7
England gets their reviews back in two balls, so this is the definition of a tactical review. Brad Haddin the batsman, can't imagine it would have hit a second set...
Aus 287-7 (trail by 143)
England respond to the Aussie charge with an over of off-spin from Moeen Ali, perhaps in the hope of tempting Mitchell Johnson. Johnson isn't playing. I've just seen a replay of the, erm, incident that saw Alastair Cook come a cropper yesterday. You know, the painful blow he took in the slips. Ben Stokes, miles away at cover, immediately grabbed his own crown jewels and hit the deck, as if he'd been hit. Was he suffering sympathy pains?
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James Harding: Getting @BBCSport Ashes updates at 30000 feet above France!
Aus 283-7 (Haddin 12, Johnson 6)
I think this Aussie pair have decided to counter-punch. Ben Stokes on, Haddin pulls a ball that is nowhere near short enough and inside-edges for four. Then a straight drive and a flash wide of the slips. Three boundaries in as many balls. Plenty happening out there - the threat of wickets and now an Aussie desire to fight back.
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David Phillips: Fine start to the morning for England. Now for the customary demoralising Haddin century.
Aus 271-7
Mitchell Johnson, dark hair and moustache. If you stuck a three-piece suit on him he'd look like an extra from Boardwalk Empire. He points his sleeve tattoo towards Mark Wood and finally gets the Aussie moving, nudging a couple on the leg side then driving down the ground for four. I just wonder if England will take the new ball right away. This one is showing the tiniest hint of reverse and, if we're honest, England bowled better last night and this morning than they did early yesterday.
"My advice for Australians listening is go to sleep! they have not assessed the pitch for batting or bowling. England have got it right. This pitch has negated the Australia fast men, they have got some serious thinking to do because otherwise they are going to get outplayed."
Aus 265-7 (trail by 165)
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So much on the shoulders of Brad Haddin now, but he's being tied down by the accuracy of Stuart Broad, who, it has to be said, has bowled very well in this Test so far. A man at short cover lurks for a mis-timed drive and is almost in the game. Still Haddin sits on a blob. Only one run scored in six overs this morning.
"You can feel the pressure Australians are under - the Australians in the crowd can feel it. I thought there might have been more noise from the England supporters, though."
Aus 265-7 (Wood 19-5-60-2)
And the next one please. Mitchell Johnson the new man, waiting at the non-striker's end as Haddin faces up to Broad. Replays show that Lyon lbw really would have hit middle stump halfway up. Stone dead.
"They're the ones where you don't even look up at the umpire you just start heading for the dressing room. The perfect start for England - two wickets for only one run."
WICKET
Lyon lbw Wood 6 (Aus 265-7)
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And another! Mark Wood has pinned Nathan Lyon with a very full delivery, giving umpire Kumar Dharmasena a very simple lbw decision. Playing across the line to one that would have hit the middle of middle, Lyon was plumber than Plumby McPlumb. England are rampant on this third morning, they have the Aussies on the run. Two wickets have fallen for one run.
'Aim for his pads'
BBCCopyright: BBC
Aus 265-6 (trail by 165)
Brad Haddin batted eight times in the last Ashes series, only twice did he fail to get past 50. Since then, he's played 12 Tests and only registered one half-century. England have three slips, one of which is Joe Root, who stands so close he needs the protection of a helmet. Good from Broad, length, nipping it around off the seam. Another maiden.
"Smith 33, Clarke 38, Voges 31, Watson 30 - the first time ever batsmen 3-6 have all been dismissed in the thirties."
Aus 265-6
To reiterate, that second new ball is due after 80 overs. Mark Wood is zipping in to Nathan Lyon for the 73rd. Though England are chipping away at the Aussie batting, the touring lower order is more than capable - all of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood can wield the willow. Accurate maiden from Wood.
"Broad is the type of guy that will angle it into the stumps where the other guys will move it away. Looking at it live it didn't look out. That's a big decision, I don't mind it as long as they are consistent. Watson has had a lot of those where the replays say it is just clipping the stumps, there is no benefit of the doubt for the batsmen."
Aus 265-6 (Broad 13-2-55-1)
Brad Haddin to the crease, so often England's greatest obstacle 18 months ago, but not in the greatest Test form of late. From his second ball, there is almost a deflection down on to the stumps. Replays of England's reaction to the Watson decision show Alastair Cook delighted enough to burst. They have a big wicket before the second new ball.
"What a start that is for England - absolutely critical wicket with the last of the recognised batsmen trudging off, looking totally forlorn."
WICKET
Watson lbw Broad 30 (Aus 265-6)
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What a start for England! How often do we see Shane Watson sent packing leg before? Stuart Broad has done it, nipping one back into the big front pad. The review shows the ball would have clipped the tiniest section of the top of leg stump, but enough for the decision to stand. I wonder if Shane Watson signs letters 'Shane Watson lbw'?
Umpire review
Aus 265-5
Now then. Stuart Broad has his man! Marais Erasmus thinks long and hard, then puts the finger up. Shane Watson looks incredulous. Too high?
Post update
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Spare a thought for the Australian newspaper journalists here in the Ashes press box. Given it's already Friday evening down under, several of them are bashing away at their pieces for Saturday's newspaper, which effectively means predicting what's going to happen. 'What shall we say boys? Australia 200 runs ahead? Hazlewood hundred?'"
Aus 265-5
Interesting move. Stuart Broad shares morning duties. I thought England might have saved him for the new ball.
"Lyon is looking at the bottom of his bat with great suspicion, that clearly did creep along the ground and hit absolutely the bottom of the bat."
Aus 265-5 (trail by 165)
Expect a couple of games to take place this morning. Defensive stuff to Watson, then attack of nightwatchman Nathan Lyon. Three slips, a gully and a short leg for Lyon. Next man Brad Haddin waits on the Aussie balcony, then ducks inside. It's hot, so he might have gone for the suncream and cork hat. Decent start from Wood, 86mph, straight. One from it.
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JoElle: Play about to start in Cardiff. Wonderful excuse to open a bottle of wine at 3am.
Post update
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The atmosphere feels more frenzied today, more electric. There's a greater roar as the players emerge, applause merging with the strains of Jerusalem. Mark Wood, 1-59 in some very good work last night, will get us started. Shane Watson will be on strike, 29 not out. Only two slips. I suspect we'll see more grabbers when the new ball comes. Play.
"What excited me yesterday was Stokes and Wood in that 30 minutes before the end trying to get a breakthrough, they were bowling bouncers, slower balls and I thought that was really encouraging for the future of English cricket that it was the two juniors doing it."
Post update
Thanks, Marc. My first sight of action in Cardiff this morning has a couple of portly umpires dancing to the music of a brass band. Only at a Test match.
The first session feels big. If it goes well for England - the new ball is 10 overs away, remember - then they will be well on top. If Australia can get through, they could get close to parity.
Post update
Time for a change in the live text seat. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you.. Mr Stephan Shemilt.
"I think England at home are a slight different team, it's always tougher here. There has been a lot of talk that they are on their way up and the way they have started here will give them confidence, but if Australia can come out and play well for the rest of this match we will wait and see where they are."
Pitch talk
Boof!
Darren Lehmann's a good, solid bloke isn't he? Look at him below - whistling in the rain. He wouldn't send a steak back because it was blue.
He was also bemoaning the lack of pace in this Cardiff pitch on Sky Sports this morning. I don't blame England... but Lehmann has a point when he suggests the most exciting part of cricket is seeing a fast bowler steaming in.
'We let it slip'
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Australia coach Darren Lehmann on Sky Sports: "We have been inconsistent.
"We let it slip a bit yesterday. England have bowled very well and caught very well, which is the name of the game. All our batsmen got in.
"It's a good track so hopefully we can get into the game today. Watson, Lyon, Haddin - those guys have got to perform."
Do you know you gully from your cover?
Sat in the office and wondering what on earth a slip fielder is? Hopefully this little graphic will help today. You can find out more on how to get involved with cricket via our Get Inspired page.
"I was walking home to my hotel and there were a great lot of seagulls eating on the road. A car disturbed them, they flew up, they flew over me and they deposited on me. I can't tell you what it was like, I thought I was in a hailstorm. On my coat, on my head, on my shoes I had to go straight into the shower. It was really very embarrassing so my friendship with seagulls is really at a crisis point."
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Stevie B, Walsden: I thought this pitch was meant to be lifeless, the way things are going it looks like there is definitely going to be a result, hopefully it'll go England's way, Moeen to spin them out.
"It's been competitive hasn't it. England have started the series well. This morning session is massive for both teams. If England can get rid of these last five wickets quickly and find a method of seeing off the tail it will drive the confidence through the team but if that tail wags again for Australia, England will lose a lot of confidence so this is massive for the whole series."
Test Match Special are on the air. It's worth listening just to hear Henry Blofeld's story about his run-in with some seagulls last night. Would that be ironic? Maybe a new lyric for Alanis Morissette.
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'A special talent'
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Sir Ian Botham on Sky Sports, with his views on Ben Stokes: "He's a special talent good enough to bowl and good enough to bat and that's what an all-rounder should be. Add that to the fact he's an excellent fielder anywhere and he's a real talent. We have all said he needs to given more responsibility and I think he will respond to that. He's got a bit of a streak in him which I like."
Taking on the short stuff
It was interesting to hear Moeen Ali talking on Sky Sports last night. He said he has spent the last year working on playing short-pitched bowling in the indoor nets, alongside Jos Buttler. It certainly paid off yesterday.
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Greg Hobbs, Truro: Big night in Cardiff tonight before the cricket tomorrow… if you do find me asleep at the bus stop (or at the game), please give me a nudge. Ta.
Ben Spiro-Hughes: An early morning thought but isn't Ali wasted so low down? I would open him with Cook, so we can play Rashid as well who is still in my opinion the stronger spinner.
Watch out for Braddin
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
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"England's hopes of a healthy lead could well depend on whether they can crack the tough nut that is Brad Haddin.
"The Australia wicketkeeper saves his best for the Ashes, having scored three centuries and 11 fifties against his country's oldest enemy at an average of 43, compared to a career average of 33.
"Time and again down under in 2013-14, England opened the door to Australia's tail only for Haddin to slam it shut with a counter-punching innings. Snaring him early is the order of the day."
Excuse me, sir...
On the subject of Stuart Broad, I enjoyed Graeme Swann's anecdote on TMS last night. He said he was out one night with Broad, on the last Ashes tour, when they were approached by a man wearing an anti-Broad t-shirt. Unbeknown to the said chap, he stopped and ask Broad for directions to the nearest bar. He didn't know who Broad was... just saw it as a national institution not to like him!
View from down under
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The Australian press admit themselves that England are in the ascendency. However, The Age preferred to open their analysis on public enemy number one: Stuart Broad.
As Greg Baum writes: "There are runs, and there are runs. Of the 350 made in Cardiff on day two as England took control of the first Ashes Test, two types of runs that do not appear in the scorebook came to define Australia's faltering endeavours.
"The first is runs as in loosening of the bowels, a condition afflicting Stuart Broad when facing Mitchell Johnson's bowling. At least the fast bowler gestured as much to a mocking fine leg crowd."
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.
Weather update
APCopyright: AP
As ever, our resident weather forecaster Simon King has today's outlook for us: "It should be another cracking day weather-wise in Cardiff today.
"Lots of sunny spells expected and turning much warmer with a maximum temperature reaching 23°C. Saturday will be a dry day and while it'll start off sunny, the cloud will tend to increase through the day. As a result it'll be a bit cooler at 19°C.
"The last day however looks a bit more dodgy… rain in the morning should clear to the south for the start of play but there's a risk we could see some showers and maybe some interruptions. Watch this space!"
"On Wednesday many of us thought England edged it. Yesterday it was definitely their day. They got most things right and Australia got hardly anything right - they didn't bat with a lot of common sense. There is a lot of time left for England to win it. I'll be surprised if Australia get up to England's total."
'Pitch is two-paced'
AFPCopyright: AFP
Australia's Chris Rogers, who made 95 in compiling his seventh successive half-century, also admitted England just about hold the edge: "The pitch is a bit two-paced now. You saw with the Adam Voges dismissal that kicked a little. It is going to get harder and harder, but if you set your stall out and you are happy to bat a long time there is still the opportunity.
"It has been an excellent day of Test cricket. England maybe have the slight upper hand but hopefully we can get a few more runs."
'England in better position'
Players from both camps spoke to Test Match Special at the end of the day's play, and Moeen Ali said: "In the first innings of an Ashes, it's important that we got 430 - and the way we put the Australia bowlers under pressure.
"We're slightly ahead. A couple of early wickets tomorrow would put them under pressure. I would rather be in our position than Australia's."
Jonathan Agnew column
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Jonathan Agnew, writing for this very website, believes England are in control partly due to Australia's aggressive approach.
"Australia's tactics were too obvious," he said. "They wanted to bang Moeen Ali out of the attack so England would have to use their fast bowlers more often.
"But, as India found out last year, attacking Moeen is dangerous, and especially on a pitch as slow as this."
There's only one man dominating the back pages of the English newspapers this morning:
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Try it out later when those Aussies wickets are falling. You can even get the updates abroad. Lovely.
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There's Cook's injury, then there's this...
Picture of the day?
Swanny was, of course, talking about the unfortunate incident when skipper Alastair Cook was struck in the unmentionables while fielding at first slip. At least Joe Root found it funny:
AFPCopyright: AFP
Pint-sized Ashes
One of the highlights of the Ashes summer so far - for me, at least - has been the magnificent Pint-sized Ashes put together by my colleagues at 5 live In Short. It's a great two minutes highlights package, and is generally quite funny.
I mean... what on earth could Graeme Swann be talking about here?
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Have you ever fallen asleep at a bus stop? It's easily done at the cricket, I suspect. A few glasses of the good stuff, sun beating down, Chanderpaul at the crease...
Anyway, be sure to stay in contact throughout the day by tweeting us, using #bbccricket, send a text to 81111 or post to the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages. The TMS inbox is also open for business: tms@bbc.co.uk.
Start-of-play scorecard
So, what are the scores on the doors heading into the third day of this intriguing first Test? Here you go:
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Sleepy time
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Morning all. Totally irrelevant this next bit... but I drove past a person fast asleep at a bus stop this morning. Stood up. How did I know they were asleep? Well, the bus sailed past them.
England will be hoping for similarly dozy antics from Australia this morning. History tells us that this Aussie tail can bat - Brad Haddin topped the batting averages in the last Ashes series and Mitchell Johnson has a Test century to his name.
But the hosts can look forward to the new ball in 10 overs' time. Set up perfectly.
Moeen will tear you apart, again...
AFPCopyright: AFP
Moeen put England in the driving seat in this first Ashes Test yesterday. He smashed 77 off 88 balls to propel England to 430 all out, then took two wickets with the ball.
Those two wickets? Arguably Australia's two most important batsmen: the world's best, Steve Smith, and captain of the Baggy Green, Michael Clarke.
And all this after Smith had gone on the attack and put Moeen into the stands. Impressive.
Arise, sir Moeen
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Oh yes... in Moeen Ali, England have a new secret weapon.
A genuine batsman at number eight - he averages 31 and has a Test hundred to his name - he is also a spin bowler of some repute. Admittedly it's early in his career but he currently has a better strike-rate with the ball than Graeme Swann, Monty Panesar Phil Tufnell and Robert Croft.
And the greatest all-rounder of them all: Sir Garfield.
The beard that's feared
Cricket fans have been raised on tales of fast-bowling, big-hitting all-rounders: Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, Jacques Kallis and Richard Hadlee to name but six.
Spin-bowling all-rounders - Sir Garfield Sobers apart - are less celebrated. Certainly in England.
Live Reporting
Stephan Shemilt and Marc Higginson
All times stated are UK
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- 404-3: Australia v England, Headingley, 1948
- 387-4: India v England, Chennai, 2008
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Latest PostPost update
So Nathan Lyon thinks Australia are still in it? If they chase down 412, then they would more than deserve a 1-0 lead in this series.
Their pursuit starts tomorrow morning. Join us then.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
James Pope: The fun and enjoyment is back in being an England cricket fan.
Post update
More from Lyon, who is the first Australia off-spinner to take 150 Test wickets: "We're definitely still in it. If we bat two days the result will go our way. There's no reason why we can't dig deep.
"We've got to learn from our first innings with the bat - be more patient. There were too many 30s in the first innings, so we need to try and push on a bit more and a couple of our top five to get big hundreds."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Tattz: Not very clever that from England. I'd have taken 30 runs less and only 5-6 wickets down. Aussies will feel they are in this.
Ashes Social
BBC Radio 5 live
Tonight's Ashes Social with Will Perry from 20:00 BST features former England batsman Chris Adams and journalists Adam Collins and Nick Hoult.
You can text 85058, phone 0500 909 693, tweet @5livesport or visit the 5 live Facebook page.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I think England will just try and stifle the batsmen again with the men on the drive. Australia came out as if they were playing on a fast bouncy pitch where the blew England away last time. I have liked Clarke's captaincy but he didn't get this right. Since tea on the first day Australia have been playing catch-up cricket and in Test cricket that is damn hard. There will be one or two false shots and England will strangle them slowly and surely."
Post update
Australia spinner Nathan Lyon, who took 4-75, on Sky Sports: "We learnt from bowling in the first innings. To take 10 wickets in just over two and a half sessions is a pretty good effort.
"Credit to our bowlers - we dug deep and held on to a few good catches."
Post update
More from England's Ian Bell: "It's been a great day for us. The bowlers set the tempo this morning. The lengths we hit were brilliant and we were aggressive. Everything in the field has been positive.
"It was all about being positive with the bat. But there are no gimmes and we expect more tomorrow. We are going to have to work hard to win."
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Have Australia got the mindset to bat for long periods? England are going to stifle them by bowling straight because they know what to do on this surface. I don't think Moeen has to try too much, just bowl nicely. The seamers will do a lot of the work from the other end."
Post update
Enter Mark Wood for a batting cameo. 32 from 18 balls, before Moeen Ali and James Anderson fell in the final two overs to end the day. In all, we've seen 15 wickets and 333 runs. Only one act left in this four-part drama. Australia need 412 to win.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Root's in the form of his life, players in good nick score off everything, and Bell who has been under pressure, played as beautifully as ever. The scoreboard was rushing around and even when Bell get out Stokes came in. You've got to like him, he's just like an old fashioned player, he blocks it if it is straight but if its slightly off line he gives it an old fashioned clonk, it's lovely and refreshing and I hope nobody changes him."
Post update
When they went, bowled by Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood respectively, the game went into fast forward. Ben Stokes sparkled for 42, but England got a touch careless, maybe even reckless. Four wickets for 38 runs, in danger of failing to set the Aussies a target in excess of 400.
Post update
England batsman Ian Bell, who made 60 after managing only 56 runs in nine innings before this Test, on Sky Sports: "It's been a while so it's nice to get a few. It's nice to contribute.
"When I'm playing at my best I play it late. At the start of the year I was all over the place and going at the ball a bit hard.
"I've had to work very hard but today it felt just how I wanted it to be."
Post update
Even with the best part of three days left in the game, England weren't looking to hang around in their second dig and found themselves three down in no time (how often do we say that?). However, Ian Bell, in need of runs, finally found some form, in the company of the Midas-like Joe Root. 60 apiece, England stretching their lead.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Three fantastic Test match days. Many of us were worried we were going to have a tedious draw but there has been a bit of poor batting, the odd ball kept low and England are well on top.
"Australia's best is 404 on Bradman's last tour - 412 they need here and there is no way they are going to get it, not a cat in hell's chance. Their batting is OK but not special."
Close-of-play scorecard
Post update
England's excellent bowling of this morning seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Stuart Broad got the ball rolling by pinning Shane Watson leg before, Mark Wood did the same to Nathan Lyon. After that, James Anderson got to work with the second new ball. Australia 308 all out - 122 behind.
Highest chases in Test history
If Australia win this game they will go third on this illustrious list...
Post update
Glenn McGrath is right, it really has been an extraordinary day. Remember, Australia resumed on 264-5. Yes, England might have lost their way a touch at the end, but they have dominated in a way that few could have imagined. Another good display with the ball and they are likely to go 1-0 up in this Ashes series.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"It's been an extraordinary day, 15 wickets have fallen so no shortage of entertainment. Looking forward to the next day or so, this match has really started the series off with a flurry."
WICKET
Anderson b Lyon 1 (Eng 289 all out)
That's it. James Anderson is bowled slogging Nathan Lyon, signalling the end of England's innings and the end of the day. England are 289 all out and, when we return tomorrow, Australia will need 412 to win.
Eng 289-9 (Johnson 16-2-69-2)
James Anderson is the last man, sent out in the gloom to face Mitchell Johnson. If England lose their last wicket now, that will be the close. Anderson gets under way with a single to fine leg, drawing a huge cheer from the well-oiled Cardiff crowd. Mark Wood digs out a fast yorker, ending up on one knee, leaving Anderson to face the last over of the day.
WICKET
Moeen c Haddin b Johnson 15 (Eng 288-9)
Moeen Ali can't hang around to support Mark Wood. Wide ball from Mitchell Johnson, a loose drive, the thinnest of edges through to Brad Haddin. For some reason, we wait to see if it was a no-ball, even thought Johnson was nowhere near the front line. If that had gone against Johnson, he would probably have exploded. One wicket between Australia and their chase.
Post update
Post update
Eng 287-8
Moeen's not worried because he knows he's hit it. On we go. Under 10 minutes until the close.
Umpire review
Eng 287-8
This looks close, you know. Nathan Lyon to Moeen Ali. Moeen doesn't look worried. Then again, he never does.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"Moeen Ali should be pushing singles to get Wood on strike! Once Broad went the Australians will have been hoping to soon be in the dressing room with their feet up."
Eng 287-8 (lead by 409)
The Cardiff crowd are baying, cheering Johnson to the crease like a goalkeeper taking a goal-kick. Moeen takes a single to pinch the strike, that's poor. We wanted more of Mark Wood. Johnson is ticking, giving Moeen a word. Michael Clarke has been spotted with his head in his hands. Chin up, Pup.
Tenuous links to cricketers
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Alan Willis: I carried Sir Geoffrey Boycott's bag into the changing rooms at Canterbury. No tip, not a word of thx.
Sara Meiklejohn: I sold Glenn McGrath some glasses and lamp shades in a furniture shop about 20 years ago.
Jim: Knocked Nasser Hussain's coffee over with an ambitious shy at the stumps during the break at Richard Prichard's testimonial.
Eng 286-8 (lead by 408)
And again! Pulled for three. Mark Wood is 32 not out. Whatever you are doing, stop. Ride your imaginary horse in a salute to England's number 10. The crowd are loving this.
Eng 283-8 (lead by 405)
Now Wood is giving Mitchell Johnson the treatment with a pull for four. Get him up the order.
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Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Wood averages over 20 in first-class cricket, highest score 66."
Eng 278-8 (Wood 25 from 14 balls)
Alastair Cook leans over the England balcony, wearing his whites like a man who thinks he might be in the field tonight. If England bat past 18:20, there will be no time for the Aussies to get out there. What about a declaration now, give them a couple of sticky overs? Mark Wood! Fetch that! It's huge, massive. A dance to hit Lyon straight as you like, over the cameramen, past the tress and towards the river. It's out of the ground, but immediately thrown back. Did it nearly hit a jogger? Now the reverse sweep for four! England's lead is past 400. Cardiff is alive.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think anyone saw this coming, not even the England players. On top for all three days - they should buy the groundsman a bottle of champagne."
Eng 266-8 (lead by 388)
With Mark Wood looking like he could play with his bat turned upside down, Australia summon Mitchell Johnson to put the wind up him. The slight issue with that plan is that Moeen faces the entire over, pushing it back in comfort.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"Wood is looking pretty comfortable out there."
Eng 266-8 (Moeen 12, Wood 14)
Despite most of the day being played in glorious sunshine, the clouds have now rolled in to such an extent that the floodlights have been turned on. Crowd still reasonably quiet, bar the odd strain of a song. Mark Wood's at it again! Big cover drive, Shane Watson chugging after it so slowly they actually run four. That's woken the crowd up.
Tenuous links to cricketers
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Ed Thorpe: I once stood behind Ben Hollioake in a McDonalds cue...
Harry Carr: My old philosophy tutor was married to Sachin Tendulkar's cousin.
Robin Parmiter: My brother once babysat W G Grace's grandson's Basset Hound.
Eng 261-8 (lead by 383)
Sorry, Jimmy, but the Lara nickname you've worn proudly for so long must now be given to Mark Wood. The Durham man, facing Mitchell Starc's 90mph bombs, gets on to his toes and plays a one-legged pull shot in front of square for four. What else does he have in his locker? There's a lot to like about Wood's cricket. Whole-hearted bowling, dogged batting. Under half an hour left in the day.
Vote results
We asked how many runs England need before they declare - and 42.9% of you reckoned 450.
Some 37% thought 400 would be enough, while 11.2% said England needed to be 500 in front.
This mini collapse may render any talk of declarations irrelevant anyway...
Eng 253-8 (63 overs)
Still Lyon, who has bowled well this evening. Wood, not looking like a man who will throw his wicket away, takes one, then Moeen gets on the slog sweep for a boundary. England may well already have enough, but I suspect most fans would like to see the 400 lead - a psychological milestone.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think its a terror pitch but it demands a certain way of playing. I was very worried it was going to be a tedious draw because batsmen were going to get in. Most of modern cricket is very good quality, there are a lot of results these days. In the sixties when I started there were a lot of draws which wasn't good for cricket. Young kids grow up now, Root is a perfect example, being more positive in T20 and one-day cricket. People have got used to expecting wins."
Eng 246-8 (lead by 368)
In all the talk of careless batting, Mark Wood has shown himself capable of hanging around in his short Test career. He gets stuck in against Starc, who is still touching 90mph. Moeen would do well to trust Wood, and not play the type of airy off-stump swish that almost sends him back.
Tenuous links to cricketers
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Niall Smith: On the way to a cricket match in my car, I indicated to let Mark Butcher pull out in front of me.
Joe Robinson: I once flagged Mark Ramprakash offside when he was playing football for Corinthian Casuals against my old school.
Thomas Lynch: The tattooist who tattooed my leg has also tattooed Tim Bresnan.
Eng 245-8 (Lyon 16-4-50-3)
I haven't given Hazlewood enough credit there. It was a brilliant catch, taken inches above the turf in baseball-mitt hands. Mark Wood the new man, charged with hanging around to accompany Moeen Ali. There's a nagging feeling that England are messing this up, ever so slightly. Then again, they might already have enough.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Hazlewood ran in, a big fella, kept his eyes on the ball, diving forward and caught it inches from the deck. He had a lot to do to catch it. Anyone will tell you diving forward is tough because it can hit you in the teeth."
WICKET
Broad c Hazlewood b Lyon 4 (Eng 245-8)
England are getting careless, batting as if they already have enough. This time it's Stuart Broad, swiping Nathan Lyon straight. Josh Hazlewood comes in from long-off and takes a very, very good catch, diving forwards. That chink of light that Australia have is getting brighter. England will kick themselves all the way to Lord's if they lose this by two wickets.
Tenuous links to cricketers
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Martin Palmer: I played pool until 4:00 in the morning with Athers, Freddie & Fairbrother in a hotel in Derby. My wife came down to the bar (in her nightie) wondering where I was. She got a lot of stick from the boys.
Eng 244-7 (Starc 14-4-51-2)
England have lost their last three wickets for 33 runs, their last two for four runs. Stuart Broad is the new man, the field set for some chin music. Broad sitting on the back foot, so Starc goes very full. Broad just about keeps it out. Could the Aussies even be batting again tonight?
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think this is such a bad thing from England's point of view - and maybe, from a psychological viewpoint, from Australia's, who will think 'at least we bowled them out twice'."
WICKET
Stokes b Starc 42 (Eng 240-7)
Through a touch of recklessness, England might be allowing Australia the slightest chink of light. Now it's Ben Stokes on the way back, aiming a drive at Mitchell Starc but only inside-edging on to his own stumps. I'm all for the aggression, but England's over-aggression has given Australia a very minor chance. Some discretion could have batted them out of the game.
How's stat?!
Dropped catch
Eng 236-6
All happening. Moeen Ali is dropped from the second ball he faces. Turn for Lyon, Moeen driving, the ball hitting Brad Haddin's gloves and flying through the hands of Michael Clarke at slip. Looking again at the Buttler dismissal, the ball definitely hit his glove - he was actually some distance away from hitting it with the bat. This game is bumping along quickly.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Hopefully someone in the dressing room will say to Buttler 'you're too good for that'".
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"That wasn't a good shot selection from Buttler, there is such a short boundary and men up."
WICKET
Buttler c Haddin b Lyon 7 (Eng 236-6)
Hmmmm... this doesn't look great. Jos Buttler is out reverse-sweeping Nathan Lyon, the ball hitting his glove and looping up for a simple catch to Brad Haddin. I've got no problem with England getting on with it, but Buttler is a man of such power. Maybe look to belt straight? Buttler may, and I stress may, have walked there too. Sporting.
Tenuous links to cricketers
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Jerry, Kathmandu: My friend had a date pinched by Chris Gayle. He and his date got into the lift up to the restaurant, Chris Gayle walked in after and by the time the lift had got to the restaurant's floor the girl had decided to go with Chris Gayle instead.
David Bedding: My mum and dad had a bathroom shop in Billericay, Graham Gooch once came in to buy a bathroom and sat on the loos in the showroom to try them for size! His Merc was parked outside with licence plate LBW 333.
Get Involved
#bbccricket
Eng 236-5
Nice, Ben Stokes. He guides a short ball from Mitchell Starc to the third man boundary - after adjusting from his original plan to pull the ball.
T20 Blast
Brendon McCullum, Adil Rashid and James Faulkner are all in T20 Blast action tonight. Make sure you follow all of the action with our dedicated live text and radio commentaries.
Eng 227-5 (Stokes 38 from 54 balls)
Thwack! Ben Stokes, he of the idiosyncratic bat sweep at the end of each over, does some more conventional sweeping, belting Lyon in front of square for four. And again! Four more. Stokes is ticking now. We could have one helluva last hour.
Tenuous links to cricketers
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Calum Rea: My Dad did Allan Lamb's patio.
Jules Ratcliffe: My mum played golf with Andrew Strauss' mum. I think she won.
Chris Jupp: My boss's former room mate was Jack Russell's cousin.
Eng 222-5 (lead by 344)
Interesting move. Josh Hazlewood, who has bowled well, out of the attack. Mitchell Starc, wincing the night away, back in. Oh, that's nice from Stokes, straight down the ground, just to the leg side of the non-striker's stumps. Australia keep turning to Starc, despite that obvious injury. Haven't seen Mitchell Johnson for a while.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The little things haven't gone Australia's way in this game, but you earn the right for them to go your way - and over the three days England have been the better side."
Eng 217-5
To explain, Stokes played a reverse sweep off Nathan Lyon, with Michael Clarke moving well from slip to take the catch. It looked immediately like a bump-ball, but Haddin is leaping around. To humour the Aussie keeper, the umpires send it upstairs, but Stokes has clearly hit it into the ground.
Third umpire
Eng 217-5
Brad Haddin's excited, but no one else is. Ben Stokes caught at slip? We need another look.
Scorecard update
England 216-5 (54 overs) - lead by 338
Stokes 26*, Buttler 2*
Fall of wickets: 17-1 (Cook 12), 22-2 (Ballance 0), 73-3 (Lyth 37), 170-4 (Bell 60), 207-5 (Root 60)
Bowling figures: Johnson 13-1-60-1, Hazlewood 13-2-49-2, Starc 11-4-37-1, Lyon 12-4-35-1, Watson 5-0-23-0
England 430: Root 134, Moeen 77, Ballance 61, Stokes 52; Starc 5-114
Australia 308: Rogers 95, Anderson 3-43
Full scorecard
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"A great day for England, more than they would have hoped for at the start of play. It's as good an Ashes day as we've seen from England for a long while."
Drinks break
Eng 216-5
There's quite a bit to like about Josh Hazlewood. Tall, athletic, good action, will run in all day. Would actually say he's quite an English-style fast bowler. He takes us to a drinks break, when at least four different subs run on wearing orange bibs. How many people does it take to carry the drinks?
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Tenuous links to cricketers
Ian Dawson: My mate's ex-girlfriend broke up with him to go out with Jade Dernbach.
Greg: My work colleague is married to Alastair Cook's brother, Adrian.
Nick Morris: I was once offered a fag by Tuffers, during an evening at my college bar.
Eng 213-5 (Stokes 26, Buttler 0)
There's some mind games going on out there. Ben Stokes has a habit, a superstition, of sweeping his bat in a circle at the end of each over. Imagine him putting it on the ground and drawing an arc inside the crease. Twice now Nathan Lyon and David Warner have stood in the way, preventing him from doing it. Lyon has his shoe off, Warner is there having a chat. Stokes waits, then does it anyway. Might have guessed it from Warner. He probably classes that as subtlety.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Tenuous links to cricketers
Dave Johnson: My Grandad bought a car off Andy Caddick's mum.
Eng 211-5 (lead by 334)
Nathan Lyon has switched ends, now twirling his offies with the River Taff at his back. Ben Stokes, losing his mate Joe Root, isn't going into his shell, reverse-sweeping for four. England likely to be 400 ahead tonight.
How's stat?!
Eng 207-5 (Hazlewood 12-1-46-2)
Yep, looking again, that delivery has done plenty off the seam. Hazlewood got it to nip back in to Root, who was actually bowled off his pads. Hazlewood has had a decent game, probably the most consistent of the Aussie seamers. Having said that, he isn't asking new man Jos Buttler to play.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Hazlewood gets one to nip back and from nowhere Joe Root has gone. He was batting with such comfort and ease - it was just a lapse in concentration. What a start to the series Root has had - 134 in the first innings, now 60 in the second. He's a real class act."
WICKET
Root b Hazlewood 60 (Eng 207-5)
Gone! When Australia finally bowl at the stumps, the get their rewards. Josh Hazlewood does the damage with the first ball of a new spell. Just back of a length, keeping low, Joe Root stuck on the back foot and losing his furniture. However, England might not mind the sight of that uneven bounce. Even now, Australia's chase looks tough on a pitch that is misbehaving.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I'm sure there will be plenty of questions asked of Australia if this game goes the way it looks likes it will go."
Eng 207-4 (Watson 5-0-23-0)
The problem with Watson's plan of bowling outside Stokes' off stump is that, if he gets it slightly wrong, someone has to chase leather. Short and wide, cut for four. When Watson re-adjusts, full and straight, Stokes clips through mid-wicket for another boundary. It's the perfect example of how Australia have struggled with the ball in this match - too many four-balls. England, in contrast, were exemplary. Didn't anyone really expect England to out-bowl the Aussies?
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Roger Federer is a huge cricket fan. He doesn't just love it - he's got an intimate knowledge of it. He knows his short leg from silly point, let's put it that way."
You can watch the Fed in action against Andy Murray in the Wimbledon semi-final by clicking here.
Eng 199-4 (Root 60, Stokes 13)
Still dark in Cardiff. Can someone ask that cloud to move away from the sun, please? Lyon, skippy, spinny. Turn back in to the front pad of Joe Root. England already leading by 300 and plenty - how many do they want? Bat until lunch tomorrow? Past that? There's talk of rain on Sunday.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Tenuous links to cricketers
Alex Bennett: I used to work with a lady who's brother-in-law was Graham Thorpe. Her sister was married to him.
Tim Warren: My wife, Jenny, is a descendant of John Wisden's brother (he had no known children of his own).
Eng 197-4 (lead by 319)
Ben Stokes is chuckling to himself, but I've got no idea why. There's no one near him, no one has said anything. Is he the sort of bloke that can just make himself laugh? In the crowd, there's five England dressed as Moeen, beards and all. They must be warm, though the sun has disappeared and the breeze is getting up. Still Watson, looking to hang the ball out there, Stokes cutting for four.
A monumental debut
Kagiso Rabada - a 20-year-old South African fast bowler - has enjoyed an amazing debut for the Proteas, taking a hat-trick as part of a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh in a one-day international in Mirpur.
He got rid of three of the top four then returned to mop up the tail as the hosts were skittled for 160 inside 37 overs. South Africa are currently 45-1.
Follow the rest of the match here.
Eng 193-4 (lead by 315)
Lyon, shaven-headed, skips in. There's turn, but slow turn. Not spitting or kicking. Root rolls the ball down town for a single, before Stokes gets cute with a reverse sweep. Not bat on it. England have come through that Starc barrage and the game has entered a more sedate passage. Bit of a battle of wills.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"When the ball is reverse swinging Shane Watson has got a magnificent wrist, perfectly behind the ball."
Eng 191-4 (26 overs remain)
Shane Watson into the attack, as pleased to be bowling as a man waiting for major dental surgery. Australia's plan will be for Watson to bowl dry, hang his medium-pacers outside the off stump and wait for a mistake. Australia pack the off side, meaning that a powerful Stokes drive can't get through. England in no rush, mind.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Root has got to 50 in both innings three times in his last six Tests."
Eng 190-4 (Root 57, Stokes 7)
Spin, Nathan Lyon round the wicket to right-hander Root. A slip and a short leg, gaps a plenty to be milked. Conversation in the live text centres around our colleague, Jamie Lillywhite. His great-grandfather was the first ever captain of England, James Lillywhite. I love to heat tenuous relations to cricketers. Not 'I'm Alastair Cook's brother', but, 'my girlfriend's cousin once went out with Jonny Bairstow'.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Root is worth his weight in gold. He has found his niche at number five and I think he'll be there for a long time to come."
Eng 187-4 (lead by 309)
Starc still bowling thunderbolts, heat-seeking yorkers homing in on the toes of Ben Stokes. The sun just dips behind a cloud as Stokes defends, trying to weather the storm. If he gets through this, then bats to the close, England could be out of sight. At the moment, Joe Root is averaging more than 57, the highest of any England batsman since 1968.
Post update
50 for Joe Root
"Na, na, na, na, nah, nah, nah naah. Nah, nah, nah naaaaah, Joe Roooooot." That's the song of Cardiff, ringing around the capital when Root goes to a 67-ball half-century, his second 50+ score in the match. During his first-innings ton, Michael Vaughan said we are witnessing the making of a legend. Agree? Looking again at the Ben Stokes non-lbw, the Aussies might have thought he got an inside edge. They were fooled by the fact it hit both pads. Incidentally, Steve Smith appealed from cover, but no one paid any attention.
Vote - When should England declare?
How much of a lead do England need in this Test? 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500?
Vote using the tab above if you're on a mobile, or by clicking on the options on the right-hand side of this page if you're on a good old Amstrad.
Terms and conditions.
Eng 177-4
Ooohhh, Ben Stokes, that is a handsome straight drive. The George Clooney of cricket strokes (feel free to insert name of other handsome man, his was the first that came to mind). Even on one leg, Starc is still cranking the speedo past 90mph, hitting Stokes on the pads. No appeal. Australia should have done, though. The replays show that would have cannoned into leg stump. Stokes gets away with one. Later in the same over, the Aussies finally appeal, but that looks to be going down. Starc is bowling at almost 94mph!
Quiz time
A Question of Sport Teaser
Earlier we asked which four players made their Test debuts in the 2013 Ashes series in England?
The answers are: Ashton Agar, James Faulkner, Simon Kerrigan (above) and Chris Woakes.
How many did you get?
Eng 173-4 (Root 46, Stokes 1)
Australia have a leg-side sweeper, despite Stokes having only just come to the crease. Johnson, the sort of bouncy hair you see in a shampoo advert, hits the England all-rounder on the back leg, then is taken through the leg side for a single. The Barmies alternate between Bread of Heaven and Delilah. It's like Now That's What I Call Welsh Favourites.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Andy Weller: (Re 16:17 Gary Jones) Whose side are you on, mate!? Curse of the Live Text Watcher strikes again....
Eng 170-4
Stokes watches as Starc continues his hobble towards Joe Root, the ball still showing signs of keeping low every now and again. England fans have been momentarily hushed by that wicket, while the Aussies are oohing and aahing as Starc goes past the outside edge. The pitch doing a bit will please England, some 292 to the good.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Andy in Birmingham: No need to rush the declaration, still two days left. Bat through tonight and tomorrow morning unleash Root, Buttler, Stokes and Ali in ODI mode and declare/get out by lunch but with a massive lead. Job done.
Eng 170-4 (Johnson 11-1-49-1)
It was nothing more than a straight, length ball. Bell, for whatever reason, played down Bakerloo, the wrong line. Ben Stokes the new man. He could take this game from Australia very quickly. That stand between Bell and Root was 97 in 20.2 overs.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"That wicket takes Johnson to 292 Test wickets, one in front of Craig McDermott. That was a strange shot by Bell. I think because he smoked that one over extra cover he was expecting a short one and he gave himself a bit of room and played all around it. Australia needed something to hang in there. A little bit of rain around they say on day five. Have Australia ever been saved by the rain? The way England are playing they could have a full day at Australia tomorrow."
WICKET
Bell b Johnson 57 (Eng 171-4)
Bowled him! Where did that come from? One delivery after slapping Mitchell Johnson over cover as if he was some sort of 3rd XI trundler, Ian Bell is bowled neck and crop. Johnson back over the wicket, Bell hanging back like a man expecting the short ball, furniture rearranged. Finally, Johnson has a wicket in this match.
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From Gary Jones: Ok, I am going to say it first, we could get a whitewash this series. We are young and virile and on the up. The Aussies are not young and on the turn. I may have had two pints of lager in the sun but I do believe this (I think).
Eng 161-3 (lead by 283)
Cloudless blue in Cardiff. Sgt Pepper, dressed in pink, carries a few lagers back to his seat as Root drives Starc through the covers for a couple. Ever seen the film Inglourious Basterds? Starc has the look of Brad Pitt in that. Ball not doing much. A lot of hard yakka for the Aussies tonight, me thinks.
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Phil in Rugby: So with England 271 ahead at tea & 37 overs left to bowl, if they continue at 4 rpo that's a lead of 419 by the close…declare overnight which gives all day Saturday and whatever play we may get on Sunday to bowl them out.
Eng 158-3 (Bell 53, Root 39)
Right then, let's be having you. It's the weekend, the sun is out. The smell of lager and barbecues is wafting through the office window as we enter the last hour of the working week. Excited? I bet you are. Mitchell Johnson - still wicketless in this match - after tea, gifting Joe Root four off his hips. How far might England be ahead by the close? Three an over would be the best part of 400.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"I'm not sure what's wrong with Starc because his feet placement when he lands are all very good - there are no real stresses that are not normal to fast bowling. I'm catching up with the Australian physio this evening so I will hopefully know more."
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"Look at Starc follow through, this man is in pain. He's not leaving anyone guessing - he's got a problem."
Eng 153-3 (lead by 275)
I've heard a rumour that there's rather a big tennis match about to start at Wimbledon. I'd stick a decent wager on the fact the only place you can follow this match and the progress of Andy Murray at the same time is right here on the BBC Sport website. Imagine a British sporting weekend where England go 1-0 up in the Ashes, Murray wins Wimbledon and Chris Froome leads the Tour de France. Mitchell Starc is in turmoil, in obvious pain after every delivery. Will his tour consist of only one Test?
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BBC Radio Test Match Special
Former England spinner Robert Croft, now part of the Glamorgan coaching staff, on Welsh players: "One lad we had high hopes for James Harris, who went to Middlesex and had a couple of quiet years but seems to have found his feet now. We have a little bit of a gap with young Welsh players at Glamorgan now but we have a number of players from overseas so when we find our gems we hope the overseas stars will influence them."
Eng 149-3 (lead by 271)
The players are back out, Joe Root scratching at his guard. Mitchell Starc has the ball. There are 37 overs left in the day.
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Thanks, Marc. Mr Higginson, lucky enough to have two sons, has just told me that Postman Pat now operates with a postal helicopter. Really? Can you land a helicopter in Greendale? One of my favourite my favourite books as a kid was 'Postman Pat plays for Greendale'. Tried his hand at cricket, did Pat. Off-breaks, I think. Bowled a doosra.
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Like Postman Pat, here's another man who always delivers: Mr Stephan Shemilt.
A ditty for Watto
Ian Young: Just in case the Barmy Army haven't come up with a song for Shane Watson yet, may I suggest:
(to the tune of Postman Pat)
Shane Watson, Shane Watson,
Shane Watson and his massive front pad,
Early in the morning,
When the England boys are bowling,
Watto's out lbw again.
How's stat?!
BBC Radio Test Match Special
More from Robert Croft: "People said about two spinners but I wouldn't have done. We had a survey done here and there are 11% more lbw and bowleds than any other ground in country cricket for seamers. Even though it does spin, the seam bowlers are very difficult to play."
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Go on then, who honestly predicted the first Test would pan out like this? There's certainly a mood of joyous disbelief among the England fans and followers in the Swalec. Meanwhile, the Australians are resorting to gallows humour. 'And now Australia are bowling Ian Bell into form,' quips seasoned cricket writer Peter Lalor as the England batsman brings up a classy fifty."
Croft in the box
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Former England spinner Robert Croft, who played 23 seasons at Cardiff: "The atmosphere is very friendly, we want everyone to have a good experience and we're seeing some tough cricket in the middle. I'm not aware of any directions to our groundstaff about producing a pitch.
"It's a little different to the norm in terms of pace and carry but what it does do is highlight a player's weaknesses and it's a big test of your concentration as a bowler or a batsman. This ground doesn't give up wins very easily but it does give defeats very easily."
Tennis reminder
Let me take this opportunity to remind you about the titanic tennis showdown which is upon us at Wimbledon: Andy Murray v Roger Federer, with a place in the final at stake. Whether you're stuck at work or getting off early, or neither, you can watch all the action via your phone or tablet here.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Excellent session for England, a scoring rate of 4.74, they really are playing with intent. There was a tricky period when Ballance was out but Bell came out with energy and a game to take on Australia and Joe Root is going to play in the same fashion. England are miles ahead in this Test match."
Tea scorecard
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It looks like the Ian Bell of old today. Against the spin I still think he's a bit edgy, I think he takes too many risks, but against the seamers he has played with a nice straight bat."
Tea - Eng 149-3
England troop off for tea and biscuits with a lead of 271. Firmly in control.
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Angus Fyfe: Awesome from Bell - one more failure and distinct chance he was gone.
Rupert Sutton: Great to see 50 for Bell, I was one of the naysayers before the series but glad to see him prove me wrong today.
Dan Randle: 50 up for Belly! He may not be in the best form but he remains as classy and elegant as ever! Great player!
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It's been a while in coming for Ian Bell but he's played so well, so much control on the front foot. Whenever he gets runs he is a pleasure to watch. I just think it's a confidence thing. Whenever he has his confidence he is as good as any and I just don't see why he loses it."
50 for Bell off 75 balls
Eng 149-3
There it is... Ian Bell interrupts Jos Buttler's tea - the wicketkeeper still chewing on the balcony as he salutes Ian Bell's 43rd Test half-century which is brought up with a boundary.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The way Starc is moving there has to be a question mark whether we will see him again in this series."
Eng 145-3 (Starc 6-3-25-1)
Mitchell Starc is still touching 90mph despite having a sore ankle. Joe Root is patient and waits for one on his pads which he whips for four through square. Elegant.
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Richie in France: Every workplace has fed-up people, but has anyone ever looked more like they despise every single minute of their job more than Shane Watson when he plays cricket? Every time he goes for a run I expect him to just grab his cap and walk off the field, chuntering "what's the blinking point?"
Eng 141-3 (Bell 49, Root 27)
The crowd are really lapping this up - Ian Bell plays a sumptuous cover drive to the boundary which teases the diving Nathan Lyon on its way. No stopping those.
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Rahul Singh: The wheels are coming off this Aussie team. They came in with a great reputation, it just seems that it's just starting to fall apart for them just like England Down Under in 2013-14.
Eng 137-3 (lead by 259)
Josh Hazlewood to Ian Bell. Four. The runs are piling up.
Text 81111
Matt from Oxford: Aussies are a never-say-die side and despite this brilliant performance by England methinks we might need every single run. It's easy to forget they have the likes of Smith and co, who could easily score big despite the current situation. Can't wait for the chase but hoping it's not until at least lunchtime tomorrow!
Eng 133-3 (Bell 41, Root 27)
Who grades bowlers? Shane Watson is classed as fast-medium but he's more medium-fast these days as he sends one down at 75mph which bounces twice on its way through to the keeper. I'm going to start a campaign to have him regraded.
Brad Haddin moves to stand behind the wicket midway through the over and leaves his slips in their normal position. Joe Root nudges two to spoil any thoughts of a maiden over.
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Ian Long: Sunday forecast not looking promising. Declare at lunchtime tomorrow to ensure we don't run out of time. Coincidentally I have tickets for tomorrow.
Colin Muir: Need to be wary of the forecast for Sunday, overs will be lost, so must give ourselves time to take the wickets.
Eng 131-3 (run-rate 4.05)
For those wondering who Mitchell Marsh is... he's basically the Australian Ben Stokes. He hits a long ball and bowls seam at a decent lick.
The television cameras are currently seeking out Merv Hughes in the Australian-populated stands. Best check at the bar, lads. He's getting them in. Two from Josh Hazlewood's latest over.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Word is the reason Watson was chosen ahead of Mitchell Marsh was because of his bowling and the fact he can get more control. Well he didn't bowl that many overs in the first innings so he is going to have to bowl well here to justify his selection."
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"The fifty partnership and the 10th of the match. The most in a match is 17."
Eng 129-3 (lead by 251)
Shane Watson looks like he hates bowling. You'd never see him doing star jumps in his captain's eyeline in a bid to turn his arm over. He rolls his eyes when Joe Root thick-edges to the boundary and then flashes another four over the slip cordon. The 50 partnership is now up, in 62 balls.
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Naveed Afzal: Holy sugar just seen the Ashes score and England are DOMINATING. Damn you bloody traffic, need to get home.
Rob Meech: Been so impressed with how England have played in this First Test. An attacking mindset with bat and ball has served them well.
Eng 121-3 (lead by 243)
The runs continue to rack up - three for Root and four byes via Ian Bell. Ten in the over. Time for some Shane Watson.
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Matthew Green: Just loving this attacking intent from England. Weather permitting they'll be no draws in this series.
Tony: This lunch to tea session is an early contender for most anxiety of the Ashes. Six runs an over, wickets falling like flies. Eep
Text 81111
Dan, Leeds: With the team and captain showing far more positivity, it would be interesting for England to get far enough ahead to see when Cook would declare, having previously been noted for conservative declarations... We can but hope!
Barry Chandler: There's no rush, let's get a lead of 450+ and give ourselves 1 1/2 days to bowl them out. simples.
Eng 112-3 (Bell 37, Root 13)
If you were marooned on a desert island, it's hard to believe you would get bored of watching a DVD of Ian Bell's best cover drives. Providing you had a TV set and electricity of course.
He only gets three with his latest push - straight out of the screws - but that's alright because Joe Root hits four next up. Josh Hazlewood is frustrated and his line and length begins to err.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Once you start playing catch-up cricket it's like having to come from two goals down in football. There's not going to be a collapse, Australia are in big, big trouble."
Eng 102-3 (lead by 224)
Michael Clarke, standing in the slips, is the only Australian wearing a jumper - it's to protect his troublesome back from the breeze. I'm no body language expert, but as he stands beneath a floppy sun hat and turns up his collars I would suggest he's subconsciously retreating? England in control, but they could still let this slip. Nathan Lyon is finding his groove and he squares up Ian Bell with a fizzing spinner.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"This has been a very good cricket pitch. The first couple of balls were wide and went through low and people were criticising it, but look at the amount of runs and wickets there have been. This will be a result pitch. I don't think the draw will come into the equation, and England will be favourites."
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Bell's had two overs from the off spinner round the wicket and hasn't scored. If anything he should sashay down a little and drive just wide of mid-off or mid-on for a single."
Eng 101-3
Joe Root greets Josh Hazlewood's return to the bowling attack by guiding four through the backward point region. Rooooooooooot echoes round the stadium. Wales' new favourite sporting son? For the next couple of days at least.
Eng 97-3 (Bell 33, Root 4)
Nathan Lyon is going round the wicket to the right-handers, trying to run the ball across the bat and bring the slips into play - like he did in the 2013 series back in this country. England's earlier counter-attack has bought them the time to consolidate now and sit in. Surely another 120 from here is enough?
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Paul Divito: Are England far enough ahead to let Stokes and or Butler really try and move game forward? Amazing to even contemplate.
Jacob Jackson: If we can get a lead north of 320, it will take something special from those pesky Australians.
Glenn, Cambridge: All those criticising the groundsman before a ball was bowled on day one, I suggest you go find him and buy him an apologetic pint... and keep your fingers crossed there is still life in it for the England pace attack to make use of tomorrow!
Eng 97-3 (Root 4 off 12)
Resolute defence from Joe Root, who is playing around the more fluent Ian Bell. England's main man (Root) has every gear in the book, and he has the ability to pick which one to use. Canny.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"250 is a lot to get on here fourth innings."
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"England will want a lead of 450 to 500. With the time left, that allows you to take the option of losing out of the game. They will want that but I don't think they're going to get it on this pitch."
Eng 97-3
Mitchell Johnson wears the expression of a man who can't remember where he parked his car as memories of his destruction a couple of winters ago quickly dissipate. A huff, a puff from Johnson and the Aussie house is quickly falling down.
Eng 96-3 (Lyon 5-2-17-1)
Nathan Lyon whistles through a set of six, being milked for a solitary single by Ian Bell.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"We're only halfway through this match but I can't see how Australia can save it unless it rains. England are so much in control and I don't think Australia know how to play on it. That's not saying they're a poor side but on this surface they look a lot more ordinary. I don't think their batting is special."
Eng 95-3
Joe Root is beaten by the pace and almost gloves a bouncer from MJ behind.
Eng 95-3 (Bell 31, Root 4)
Joe Root looks disappointed in himself as he chases a wide one from Mitchell Johnson. He composes himself quickly though and flicks four off his pads and through the leg side. Staring back intently at the bowler he takes guard for the next delivery. He might laugh at his skipper copping one in the googlies in the field, but there's a real steel about him with bat in hand.
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"Clarke is a bit between a rock and a hard place because he has got to get wickets. So he has to keep some attacking element to it, which gives the batsmen more chance of scoring runs."
Latest scorecard
England 91-3 (22 overs) - lead by 213
Bell 31* (34), Root 0 (3)
Fall of wickets: 17-1 (Cook 12), 22-2 (Ballance 0), 73-3 (Lyth 37)
Bowling figures: Johnson 6-1-25-0, Hazlewood 7-1-23-1, Starc 5-3-21-1, Lyon 4-2-16-1
England 430: Root 134, Moeen 77, Ballance 61, Stokes 52; Starc 5-114
Australia 308: Rogers 95, Anderson 3-43
Full scorecard
Eng 91-3 (Bell 31 off 34)
If you wrote a book of cricket cliches, there would have to be a section on how the pitch is always written off as being bad on the first day of the match. Oh and 'the first hour tomorrow will be crucial'.
Anyway... Ian Bell continues to take the attack to Nathan Lyon and hits a couple of boundaries in succession. Motoring.
Text 81111
Richard, London: Just as you talk about Lyth and Fish & Chips Michael Clarke gets the catch of the day!
Eng 83-3
In the last 10 overs, England have scored their runs at almost six an over. No danger of them going into their shells here - and the firecrackers which inhabit their middle to lower order haven't batted yet.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Bell can go into his shell a little bit if things are not going his way but that four was a majestic shot."
Food for thought
Eng 82-3 (lead by 204)
This match could be heading towards a superb conclusion. The pitch is doing all sorts now - spin for Nathan Lyon, daisy-cutters from the seamers and now Mitchell Johnson bowls a bumper which sails over everyone's heads and to the boundary for five wides. Ian Bell would need step ladders to reach that. The little fella then rubs salt into the wounds with a flashing drive to the extra cover boundary. Intent.
Text 81111
Nick: Re Marc Arnot at 14.05: England top four is a "collective liability". Cook - two fifties and a hundred v NZ: Lyth - third test, hundred in only his 2nd: Ballance - out of form but gritty 50 in first inns and avge of over 50 in first 13 tests: Bell - over 7,000 test runs at nearly 44. Think before you tweet, Sir.
Eng 73-3
Don't fret, folks. Joe Root is the new man to the crease.
Text 81111
Jufferjim, Sheffield: Lyth a bat out of Bell I'll be gone when the Moeen comes.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"It's not great batting from Adam Lyth, it was wide and he didn't have any need to play at this ball. It hit his glove that's why it came off so slowly and Clarke took a good low catch."
WICKET
Lyth c Clarke b Lyon 37 (Eng 73-3)
Adam Lyth is no longer. In this innings anyway. It takes a Superman-like catch from first slipper Michael Clarke who, bad back and all, flings his creaking limbs to his left and just about gets his fingers to a catch - much to the delight of his bowler Nathan Lyon.
Eng 73-2 (Lyth 37, Bell 18)
Adam Lyth - from Whitby - looks like somebody who would know where to buy good fish and chips from. You'd buy a second-hand car from him too. Got one of those trusting faces.
He's coping quite well with Mitchell Johnson here - getting outside the line of a 91mph delivery which thunders into his pads and then getting a single which takes him to the sanctuary of the non-striker's end. Good move.
Eng 72-2
There's no doubt England are being positive here - Ian Bell taking on the short ball and hammering it for a single which brings up the 50 partnership in just 49 balls.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Lyon is bowling the right line now to the left-hander. A lot of spinners sometimes make the mistake of bowling into the rough but the only possible way you will get a wicket is caught. If you bowl at the stumps you can get lbw and bowled into the equation as well."
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Ian Meth: The prophets of doom are 10 a penny on here today. Scoring at 4 an over against a depleted attack; nearly 200 ahead with 8 wickets in hand. Plenty of time left and a wicket that scoring over 250 to win would be am awesome achievement. My glass isn't half full - my cup runneth over.
Eng 71-2 (lead by 193)
Careful, Adam Lyth. Nathan Lyon gets one to grip in the pitch and it squares up the left-hander who is trapped on his crease. Loud appeal, but the umpire shakes his head. Another maiden.
Text 81111
Sam, Bath: Some Lyth at the end of the tunnel.
Eng 71-2 (Lyth 36 off 49)
Michael Clarke has turned to his trump card - Mitchell Johnson. He who returned no wickets in the first innings is running his fingers across the seam and trying to push the ball past Ian Bell's outside edge. He then bowls an inducker but Bell is too long in the tooth to be done by such tricks. At the moment, anyway. Maiden.
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Ben in Windsor: Some of Root's drives come close but there really is nothing more beautiful created by England than an Ian Bell cover drive. Come on Ian, quiet those ever chattering voices calling for you to be discarded with a big one!
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"That six was an excellent shot, not one I'd recommend. To fetch it against the spin takes a lot of confidence, almost the arrogance of a man coming into the game. If he'd played for five years he would be wary of top edging it. I get the feeling Lyon is not so happy bowling to left-handers."
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Matthew Elms: Really enjoying the text commentary from Marc, very droll and entertaining!
Thanks Matthew, much appreciated... although the internet tells me that somebody who is droll is a jester or entertainer; or a buffoon. I'm probably the latter, to be fair.
Eng 71-2 (lead by 193)
This little counter-attack from England has taken their lead close to the 200 mark. The Aussies have turned to Nathan Lyon and Adam Lyth responds by getting down low and swatting a maximum into the leg-side stands. England are scoring their runs at 4.44 an over now.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"With the roars from inside the stands getting louder with every boundary, the concourses are alive with spectators racing to reclaim their seats after long, lazy lunches in the sun."
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"It's either wickets or runs isn't it? Starc is definitely a worry. They say over seven times your body weight lands on your front foot when you bowl. To be a fast bowler you've got to be tough, not like these batsmen."
How's stat?!
Eng 60-2
Adam Lyth is landing plenty of punches now - playing a baseball-style shot to plunder four down the ground, then using softer hands to guide another boundary to third man. The crowd are loving this. They've come to Lyth. Get it? I'll get my coat.
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James Boffey: Get Bell in form and I think this series is ours. Like Vaughan in 05. Just needs one score.
Coach Fozzie: Ian Bell batting beautifully. As in any sport it's all about "end-product" though, not just skills/technique/beauty.
Jimbo: It's time for The Sledgehammer of Eternal Justice to start cracking the spirit of this Aussie attack.
Eng 50-2 (Lyth 15, Bell 17)
There's a bloke in the crowd with a tartan flat cap on and binoculars draped round his neck. Oh... and he's got a terrific 'tash. He looks rather delighted to pop up on screen. I hope he's not phoned in sick today.
Adam Lyth decides to take on Josh Hazlewood and adds to four leg-byes with another boundary off the bat and through the off side. Ian Bell unfurls a glorious cover drive again - four more - and suddenly things look hunky-dory again.
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Matt Arnot: Great morning, but already going to need yet another @joeroot05 rescue act. Top four are a collective liability.
Michael Cassidy: Wheels a-wobbling on the England wagon. Time for the Duke of Bellington to perform.
Warren Lynch: If England can get to 200 a lead of 300 plus they will fancy their chances on this deck!
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"Bell looks a lot more confident that he did first innings but Mitchell Starc is a concern, he is limping after every ball and he has been the big wicket-taker for Australia."
Eng 35-2 (lead by 157)
That's the Ian Bell we all know and love - the right-hander leans into two delightful cover drives to Mitchell Starc and the ball whistles to the boundary.
The timing of a Swiss watch. He's been more car dashboard clock in recent times but hopefully that's a sign of his form returning.
Vote result
We asked at lunch who will be England's top-scorer in the second innings.
The votes are now in, and the well-informed readers of the BBC cricket live text are backing Joe Root.
England's first-innings centurion got 47% of the vote, with Ian Bell his closest challenger on 15.9% and Ben Stokes 11.6%.
Do you know your gully from your mid-wicket?
Sat in the office and wondering what on earth a slip fielder is? Hopefully this little graphic will help today. You can find out more on how to get involved with cricket via our Get Inspired page.
Eng 27-2 (Hazlewood 6-1-12-1)
If you want to teach your son or daughter how to bowl seam, get them to watch a video of Josh Hazlewood. Bowling with decent pace (around 82mph) and lift, he is targeting the batsman's off stump and nipping the ball off the seam just enough to interest the slip catchers. It's what some cricket folk would term as bowling in the batsman's 'corridor of uncertainty'.
Ian Bell is off the mark with four down to third man.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"This has been a far better start by Australia. They have watched the way England went about it and it's all about keeping it tight and building pressure. Is this a big innings for Bell?"
Eng 22-2 (Lyth 8, Bell 0)
A maiden over from Mitchell Starc, who is touching speeds of 90mph despite being in obvious pain with an injured ankle. Made of strong stuff that lad.
How's stat?!
Eng 22-2 (lead by 144)
The Aussies have their gander up now - Mitchell Starc bowling a jaffa to Adam Lyth who is beaten on the outside edge. There's an appeal for caught behind, but the ball just flicked the pad. Ian Bell is the new batsman.
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James Gulleford: England's top order failing again! We are the team well ahead in the match and yet we are scoring at 2 runs an over! Pathetic!
Patrick Brennan: Let's just start each innings 30-3 with a 15 over old ball and save ourselves some time.
Evan Samuel: Oh, for god's sake, don't give me hope Australia. I couldn't take it. Well bowled though Mr Hazlewood.
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Henry Blofeld
BBC Test Match Special
"He didn't look like making anything other than nought."
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"That one really took off and that's what Hazlewood can do, he's tall and he gets extra bounce."
WICKET
Ballance c Haddin b Hazlewood 0 (Eng 22-2)
The perfect over from Josh Hazlewood, who is on the money with every ball - all of them straight and offering a hint of movement to the left-handers. When the bowler drags back his length a little, and with it gets a little extra lift, Gary Ballance tries to drop his hands but gets an edge behind to a gleeful Brad Haddin. A duck for England's first innings glue.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"Australia have to come out and look to build pressure. If they come out and look to take wickets the game could get away from them with too many quick runs for England."
Sledge watch
Eng 21-1
You miss, I hit. Josh Hazlewood is bowling a tight line and length to Adam Lyth, and is trying to nip the ball slightly off the seam in either direction. After one resolute forward press from Lyth, the bowler spits a little verbal.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"Australia need something to lift them - they're miles behind in this game."
Eng 21-1
Not out. Good review to some extent though... Adam Lyth was playing down the wrong line to a straight one there. The ball, however, was only just about hitting the wickets - meaning the umpire sticks with his original call.
Eng 21-1
Big, big appeal when Josh Hazlewood hits the pads of Adam Lyth. Not out... but the Aussies review it.
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Let's rock and roll. The afternoon session is under way.
Hurry up, Elvis...
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Scorecard
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First thing's first... who voted James Anderson as England's leading run scorer in this innings? There's 3.2% of you at the moment. Pessimists? Or Aussies?
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Thanks Stephan. Bring back some fish and chips (he's off to sample the Friday specials in the canteen).
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Right then, I'm out of here for the afternoon. Marc Higginson is taking my place in the hot seat. Look after him.
Listen abroad
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.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Andy: On the subject of that vote - I'd like it to be known I am 0.4% who voted for Mark Wood - I slipped...
Over-tonne or Under-tonne?
Do 10,000 cricket balls weigh more or less than a tonne? This is just one of the questions that will be asked on next week's Blue Peter as they play 'Over-tonne or Under-tonne?' in which contestants have to guess whether a series of objects weigh more or less than a tonne. And who are the two best people to play said quiz? Why, the latest additions to England's one-day squad, twins Craig and Jamie Overton... Over-tonne. Over a tonne. Because their name... it sounds... you know, similar... Ahem.
Anyway, you can watch a clip from the show via our CBBC page.
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A Question of Sport Teaser
Here is today's Ashes #QSTeaser from @QuestionofSport: Which four players made their Test debuts in the 2013 Ashes series in England?
We'll bring you the answers later.
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On the subject of that vote, I have pointed out to my gaffer that Alastair Cook is currently England's top-scorer and we've not included him as one of the options...
Vote - who will top-score for England?
Who do you think will top-score for England in the second innings?
Cast your vote now...
View terms and conditions here.
Lunchtime special
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Analyst Simon Hughes is talking the TMS listeners through the vagaries of the batting trigger movements now, joined by Alec Stewart, who knows a bit about batting having made 8,463 runs in his record 133 Tests for England.
There is also a video on the BBC website from Simon featuring an interview with England captain Alastair Cook to further explain trigger movements.
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The only cloud in the Cardiff sunshine was the early departure of Alastair Cook, driving Mitchell Starc to point. Starc, by the way, is basically bowling on one leg due to an ankle injury. England lunch at 21-1, their lead stretched to 143.
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Can you believe the morning that England have had? It started with Stuart Broad pinning Shane Watson lbw and snowballed from there. Mark Wood trapped Nathan Lyon, then James Anderson got to work with the new ball. Brad Haddin caught behind, Mitchell Starc caught at third slip, either side of Mitchell Johnson chipping Broad to square leg. In all, Australia's final six wickets went down for 60 runs. 308 all out, England 122 ahead.
Lunch scorecard
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"A good session for England, although Australia have fought their way back with that wicket. What would concern me more is the pitch, those balls that have swung round corners. You get the feeling Starc could be destructive but England undoubtedly on top with a really healthy lead."
Lunch - Eng 21-1
Gary Ballance survives and we go to lunch at the end of a morning that has well and truly belonged to England. Could anyone have predicted they way they ran through Australia this morning? Australia 308 all out, England now 21-1, a lead of 143. Frankly, it is their Test match to lose.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"A seagull is circling menacingly over a full-to-bursting Swalec Stadium. No doubt awaiting Henry Blofeld's venture from the press box to the lunchtime buffet."
Eng 21-1
And another. Starc bowling some howitzers. Ballance needs a wider bat to hit these.
Eng 21-1
Oofff, that is an absolute rozzer from Starc, swinging away from Ballance's grope. Three balls to go.
Eng 21-1 (lead by 143)
All of a sudden, things are happening for Australia. Hazlewood gets Lyth to edge for four, then screams for lbw after one nips back. Nothing doing, umpire's call for the clip of leg stump. If it had been given out on the field, Lyth would not have got it overturned. Good over from Hazlewood. England have one more to get through before lunch.
Updates on the move
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Try it out later. You can even get the updates abroad.
Eng 17-1 (Starc 1-1-0-1)
So a little jab back from Australia, who badly needed to land blow. Graeme Swann is right, that ball took a huge chunk of dust when it landed but, frankly, it was so wide that it seems unlikely that part of the pitch will have much of a say in the rest of the match. Gary Ballance is the new man.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Some good swing from Starc, the ball took a little puff of dust out of the wicket. Cook hit it pretty well, he had every right to drive, you have to look to be positive. England were looking to hammer home the lead but the fall of the wicket will offer a little chink of light to the Australians."
WICKET
Cook c Lyon b Starc 12 (Eng 17-1)
Where did that come from? From nowhere, Australia have the boost that they so desperately need. Even on one leg, it's Mitchell Starc who entices an error from Alastair Cook. A full ball, swinging away, Cook driving to point, where Nathan Lyon takes a very good catch, low to the ground. It has been England's morning, but that has stunned Cardiff into silence.
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John Collins: A Johnson bouncer effortlessly pulled for 4 now rivals an Aussie scrum going backwards as my favourite sporting sight.
Steve C Lawley: Lets not get to far ahead of ourselves. At one stage in the previous test against the WI we were 39 for 5 in 2nd Inns and lost.
Matt Flecknoe: Let's not get too carried away, the Aussies could just turn it on at some point but so good from England so far.
Eng 15-0
It is Starc, a pronounced limp after he delivers his first ball. Big concern for Australia both in this match, the one that start at Lord's on Thursday and the rest of this series.
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Kris Evans: Re Chris Rogers, yes it would if he is red blue colour blind, I'm red green and struggle to see the duke in the grass
Eng 15-0 (Lyth 3, Cook 12)
Mitchell Starc is getting loose, so perhaps he'll test his troublesome ankle before the interval. Lyth goes back to being watchful, shuffling across his crease with a two-footed trigger movement. Comparing the use of the two new balls we've seen this morning, Australia have not been nearly as dangerous as England. Too wide from Hazlewood.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"With a short session before lunch it's almost impossible for the bowlers not to strive too hard to get a wicket rather than just put it in the right areas as you normally would."
Close!
Eng 15-0
How on earth has Adam Lyth got away with this? An attempted cut off Johnson, lobbing high into the off side. It's going towards Chris Rogers at mid-off, only Rogers doesn't move. When he does finally grind the gears into action, it's too late, and the ball plops to safety. I'm told that Rogers is colour-blind. Does that hamper the spotting of red leather in blue sky? Maybe four overs or so to go before lunch.
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"There's a strong superhero theme in the colourful Cardiff crowd today."
Eng 14-0 (lead by 136)
Hazlewood to Lyth, who is short of stature and, well, lithe. This is good from Hazlewood, on and around off stump, bowling the sort of length that will exploit any uneven bounce. Three slips, gully, leg gully, Lyth watchful to take a single on the leg side. Overhead, it really feels like a batting day. Can England ram it home?
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Looking at the body language of the Australians, there are three with arms folded, two with hands on hips, one staring at his feet, whereas Alastair Cook has his chest puffed out."
Eng 13-0 (Lyth 1, Cook 12)
Fetch! Don't both those half-trackers to Alastair Cook, Mitchell Johnson. Dragged down, Cook pulling in front of square for four. Right there, in that one delivery, is the difference between the two sides. Whereas England bowled with unerring accuracy, Australia have served up too many loose balls.
How's stat?!
Eng 5-0 (lead by 127)
Josh Hazlewood shares the new ball. No real pace - around about 82mph - and a decent probe of Cook's off stump before a horrible half-tracker has Brad Haddin scrambling around in the dirt. Just a single from it, earning a ripple of applause. Brilliant sunshine in Wales, perfect conditions for watching in cricket, probably with a pint in hand. If you lucky enough to have a ticket in Cardiff, I envy you.
Echoes of Edgbaston
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John: 308 all out....wasn't that the Australian first innings score at Edgbaston 2005?
Absolutely right, John. Australia were indeed bowled out for 308 in their first innings at Edgbaston in 2005, responding to England's rapidly-scored 407. We all remember what happened next... England dismissed for 182 in their second innings before securing the most agonising, nail-biting but ultimately exhilarating two-run win. The lesson: still a long way to go.
Eng 4-0 (lead by 126)
Lyth pushes a single to get England under way as Starc walks around the boundary edge. He's definitely limping, but he's in his whites and looks ready to join the action. Three slips and a gully for Johnson, swinging the bal, away from Cook, who pushes behind square for a a well-run three. Big cheers in Cardiff. Partisan is an understatement.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Australia will have to get two wickets before lunch to get back in the contest. They were looking so comfortable yesterday afternoon, there was talk of 600."
Eng 0-0
Here come the England openers, Alastair Cook and Adam Lyth. Lyth didn't hang around too long in the first dig and is facing up to Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell Starc, who has had an ankle problem, is not on the field. Problems mounting for Australia.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
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The chastened Australians are already back out, limbering up for what has to be a big assault on the England batting if they are to have any chance of getting back in this match. Remember, England lead by 122 runs. If they are still batting at this time tomorrow, they are likely to be out of sight. However, there's talk of rain on Sunday. Could it be 2009 in reverse?
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Richie Macca: Now, that is how you clean up a tail. Push on today, and let's have a lead of 400 by the close.
Chris Naylor: Top bowling from England. Well and truly turned the screw this morning.
Srihari: Even the most optmistic England fan couldn't have foreseen this.Now, some sensible batting and it will be first blood to England.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I thought the bowlers today stuck to those lengths and lines, Cook has had a terrific innings and set some good fields and they have bowled in partnerships. England have done that better than Australia, who didn't really build up an over for their team-mates."
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Just tuning in? Don't rub your eyes, don't stare at the score in disbelief. England really have run through the Aussie tail like a dose of salts. New ball, old ball, golf ball, beach ball. Didn't matter. Stuart Broad started by pinning Shane Watson lbw, Mark Wood followed by doing the same to Nathan Lyon. After that, James Anderson delved into the dark arts of new-ball bowling. In the Cardiff sunshine, it has been perfect morning for England.
End-of-innings scorecard
Australia 308 (84.5 overs) - first-innings deficit of 122
Rogers 95, Clarke 38, Smith 33
Fall of wickets: 52-1 (Warner 17), 129-2 (Smith 33), 180-3 (Rogers 95), 207-4 (Clarke 38), 258-5 (Voges 31), 265-6 (Watson 30), 265-7 (Lyon 6), 304-8 (Haddin 22), 306-9 (Johnson 14), 308 all out (Starc 0). Not out: Hazlewood 2
Bowling figures: Anderson 18.5-6-43-3, Broad 17-4-60-2, Wood 20-5-66-2, Moeen 15-1-71-2, Stokes 14-5-51-1
England 430: Root 134, Moeen 77, Ballance 61, Stokes 52; Starc 5-114
Full scorecard
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"What a catch that is from Joe Root, they have caught well in this game so far. Late swing from Anderson and just a bit of a half warning to England that this game is not won yet. It's a massive lead but any team with Starc, Johnson and Hazlewood could easily turn the game back if it swings like this."
WICKET
Starc c Root b Anderson 0 (Aus 308 all out)
What a catch! What a way for England to wrap up the Australia innings. A thick edge from Mitchell Starc, Joe Root flying to his left at third slip to grab it in both hands. Remember the finger-on-lips send-off Starc gave to Ben Stokes? Root gives Starc one back. Australia are 308 all out, England lead by 122 runs. The Aussies lost their last six wickets for 50 runs.
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Chris Gamlin Andrews: Superb cricket. It's amazing how much this England side has changed in the last few months.
Ben Smith: Friday afternoon, sun shining and England steaming through the Aussie tail. Can't get much better.
Matthew Vernon: For all the criticism that's come his was over the past 2 years, Alistair Cook has had a superb 2 and a bit days as captain.
Aus 308-9 (Broad 17-4-60-2)
Josh Hazlewood is the last man, another left-hander. England have taken 4-42 this morning. Could even the most optimistic England fan have hoped for that? The trumpeter plays The Final Countdown. England will certainly hope so. Their lead is still in excess of 100. Even a second-innings score of 250 from England would leave the Aussies 350 to chase. Unlikely.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It's all going England's way, everything they try is working - what a morning this is. I don't think anyone would have expected four wickets to fall so quickly. The pitch is starting to do a bit more so whatever the lead is it is going to be a really good one."
WICKET
Johnson c Ballance b Broad 14 (Aus 306-9)
Australia are rolling over and having their tummy tickled. Mitchell Johnson plays the sort of shot that looks good in the nets but, in the middle, has him coming a cropper. Stuart Broad the bowler, a clip off the pads, straight to Gary Ballance at square leg. England one wicket away from batting again.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"That was as good as you'll see from England. Now they've got to clean it up, they've got to end up with a lead of 100. I'm starting to see some cracks develop in the Australian team. Watson just keeps getting out the same way, he'll have all sorts of problems now because he knows what's going to come."
Aus 304-8 (Anderson 18-6-43-2)
The players took drinks as Mitchell Starc made his way to the crease, joining his namesake and fellow left-hander. Starc survives his first ball, the final one of Anderson's over. What's the Aussie approach now? Dog it out? Shoot from the hip?
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It was a lovely line and length, Haddin playing back as a lot of Australians do because of the pace of their pitches. It just did a bit, perfectly in the corridor, and Buttler caught it low down. Very different from Haddin, who dropped Joe Root."
WICKET
Haddin c Buttler b Anderson 22 (Aus 304-8)
It just had to come. James Anderson has been swinging the new ball around corners and, eventually, he was just too good for Brad Haddin. A perfect away-swinger, Haddin prodding, an edge well taken low down by the tumbling Jos Buttler. The Barmies sing Anderson's name, Haddin trudges back. England are all over the Aussies.
Punter on Braddin
Ricky Ponting offers some insight into Brad Haddin on Sky Sports, saying the wicketkeeper is very particular about his bats, how his shoes are lined up. Nasser Hussain suggests Alec Stewart was the same... not so much Mike Atherton.
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Jon Dunn: If the only thing that Trevor Bayliss improves is our bowling to the tail it'll make a huge difference.
Aus 299-7 (Haddin 18, Johnson 11)
Simon Richardson has tweeted to say that Mitchell Johnson is the spit of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. I don't see it. Stuart Broad to share the new ball, more movement away from right-hander Haddin with three grabbers waiting in the slips. Haddin uncertain, back foot coming round to point down the wicket, squared up. England good with the new ball, threatening.
Scorecard update
Australia 298-7 (81 overs) - trail by 132
Batsmen: Haddin 18* (31), Johnson 10* (13)
Fall of wickets: 52-1 (Warner 17), 129-2 (Smith 33), 180-3 (Rogers 95), 207-4 (Clarke 38), 258-5 (Voges 31), 265-6 (Watson 30), 265-7 (Lyon 6)
Bowling figures: Anderson 17-6-38-1, Broad 15-4-55-0, Wood 20-5-66-2, Moeen 15-1-71-2, Stokes 14-5-51-1
England 430: Root 134, Moeen 77, Ballance 61, Stokes 52; Starc 5-114
Full scorecard
Aus 298-7 (trail by 132)
Immediate swing for Anderson, hoop back into Haddin. One moves so much that it misses everything, including the dive of Jos Buttler, and runs for four byes. There's also some uneven bounce, mainly low. England won't mind that if Australia have to bat last. There's the away-swinger, Haddin squaring up and playing down the wrong line. Anderson could swing an orange, never mind the new leather, he's got an enchanted right wrist. Somehow, despite looking like man fumbling for the light switch, Haddin survives.
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New ball
Aus 292-7
80 overs up, new ball taken. James Anderson summoned. The trumpeter plays him in.
Watch out for the seagull shower
Earlier, you might have heard about Henry Blofeld's unfortunate clash with some seagulls. You can hear more about the run-in here.
Aus 292-7
Yep, miles down the leg side. The real story is that Brad Haddin has taken exception to England's cheek, having a word with bowler Ben Stokes. James Anderson gets involved too. England are perfectly entitled to ask for a review, Bradley. There's four umpires in Cardiff to make decisions, we don't need a fifth. You just worry about your batting.
Umpire review
Aus 291-7
England gets their reviews back in two balls, so this is the definition of a tactical review. Brad Haddin the batsman, can't imagine it would have hit a second set...
Aus 287-7 (trail by 143)
England respond to the Aussie charge with an over of off-spin from Moeen Ali, perhaps in the hope of tempting Mitchell Johnson. Johnson isn't playing. I've just seen a replay of the, erm, incident that saw Alastair Cook come a cropper yesterday. You know, the painful blow he took in the slips. Ben Stokes, miles away at cover, immediately grabbed his own crown jewels and hit the deck, as if he'd been hit. Was he suffering sympathy pains?
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James Harding: Getting @BBCSport Ashes updates at 30000 feet above France!
Aus 283-7 (Haddin 12, Johnson 6)
I think this Aussie pair have decided to counter-punch. Ben Stokes on, Haddin pulls a ball that is nowhere near short enough and inside-edges for four. Then a straight drive and a flash wide of the slips. Three boundaries in as many balls. Plenty happening out there - the threat of wickets and now an Aussie desire to fight back.
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David Phillips: Fine start to the morning for England. Now for the customary demoralising Haddin century.
Aus 271-7
Mitchell Johnson, dark hair and moustache. If you stuck a three-piece suit on him he'd look like an extra from Boardwalk Empire. He points his sleeve tattoo towards Mark Wood and finally gets the Aussie moving, nudging a couple on the leg side then driving down the ground for four. I just wonder if England will take the new ball right away. This one is showing the tiniest hint of reverse and, if we're honest, England bowled better last night and this morning than they did early yesterday.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"My advice for Australians listening is go to sleep! they have not assessed the pitch for batting or bowling. England have got it right. This pitch has negated the Australia fast men, they have got some serious thinking to do because otherwise they are going to get outplayed."
Aus 265-7 (trail by 165)
So much on the shoulders of Brad Haddin now, but he's being tied down by the accuracy of Stuart Broad, who, it has to be said, has bowled very well in this Test so far. A man at short cover lurks for a mis-timed drive and is almost in the game. Still Haddin sits on a blob. Only one run scored in six overs this morning.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"You can feel the pressure Australians are under - the Australians in the crowd can feel it. I thought there might have been more noise from the England supporters, though."
Aus 265-7 (Wood 19-5-60-2)
And the next one please. Mitchell Johnson the new man, waiting at the non-striker's end as Haddin faces up to Broad. Replays show that Lyon lbw really would have hit middle stump halfway up. Stone dead.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"They're the ones where you don't even look up at the umpire you just start heading for the dressing room. The perfect start for England - two wickets for only one run."
WICKET
Lyon lbw Wood 6 (Aus 265-7)
And another! Mark Wood has pinned Nathan Lyon with a very full delivery, giving umpire Kumar Dharmasena a very simple lbw decision. Playing across the line to one that would have hit the middle of middle, Lyon was plumber than Plumby McPlumb. England are rampant on this third morning, they have the Aussies on the run. Two wickets have fallen for one run.
'Aim for his pads'
Aus 265-6 (trail by 165)
Brad Haddin batted eight times in the last Ashes series, only twice did he fail to get past 50. Since then, he's played 12 Tests and only registered one half-century. England have three slips, one of which is Joe Root, who stands so close he needs the protection of a helmet. Good from Broad, length, nipping it around off the seam. Another maiden.
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Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Smith 33, Clarke 38, Voges 31, Watson 30 - the first time ever batsmen 3-6 have all been dismissed in the thirties."
Aus 265-6
To reiterate, that second new ball is due after 80 overs. Mark Wood is zipping in to Nathan Lyon for the 73rd. Though England are chipping away at the Aussie batting, the touring lower order is more than capable - all of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood can wield the willow. Accurate maiden from Wood.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"Broad is the type of guy that will angle it into the stumps where the other guys will move it away. Looking at it live it didn't look out. That's a big decision, I don't mind it as long as they are consistent. Watson has had a lot of those where the replays say it is just clipping the stumps, there is no benefit of the doubt for the batsmen."
Aus 265-6 (Broad 13-2-55-1)
Brad Haddin to the crease, so often England's greatest obstacle 18 months ago, but not in the greatest Test form of late. From his second ball, there is almost a deflection down on to the stumps. Replays of England's reaction to the Watson decision show Alastair Cook delighted enough to burst. They have a big wicket before the second new ball.
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"What a start that is for England - absolutely critical wicket with the last of the recognised batsmen trudging off, looking totally forlorn."
WICKET
Watson lbw Broad 30 (Aus 265-6)
What a start for England! How often do we see Shane Watson sent packing leg before? Stuart Broad has done it, nipping one back into the big front pad. The review shows the ball would have clipped the tiniest section of the top of leg stump, but enough for the decision to stand. I wonder if Shane Watson signs letters 'Shane Watson lbw'?
Umpire review
Aus 265-5
Now then. Stuart Broad has his man! Marais Erasmus thinks long and hard, then puts the finger up. Shane Watson looks incredulous. Too high?
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Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"Spare a thought for the Australian newspaper journalists here in the Ashes press box. Given it's already Friday evening down under, several of them are bashing away at their pieces for Saturday's newspaper, which effectively means predicting what's going to happen. 'What shall we say boys? Australia 200 runs ahead? Hazlewood hundred?'"
Aus 265-5
Interesting move. Stuart Broad shares morning duties. I thought England might have saved him for the new ball.
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Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"Lyon is looking at the bottom of his bat with great suspicion, that clearly did creep along the ground and hit absolutely the bottom of the bat."
Aus 265-5 (trail by 165)
Expect a couple of games to take place this morning. Defensive stuff to Watson, then attack of nightwatchman Nathan Lyon. Three slips, a gully and a short leg for Lyon. Next man Brad Haddin waits on the Aussie balcony, then ducks inside. It's hot, so he might have gone for the suncream and cork hat. Decent start from Wood, 86mph, straight. One from it.
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JoElle: Play about to start in Cardiff. Wonderful excuse to open a bottle of wine at 3am.
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The atmosphere feels more frenzied today, more electric. There's a greater roar as the players emerge, applause merging with the strains of Jerusalem. Mark Wood, 1-59 in some very good work last night, will get us started. Shane Watson will be on strike, 29 not out. Only two slips. I suspect we'll see more grabbers when the new ball comes. Play.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"What excited me yesterday was Stokes and Wood in that 30 minutes before the end trying to get a breakthrough, they were bowling bouncers, slower balls and I thought that was really encouraging for the future of English cricket that it was the two juniors doing it."
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Thanks, Marc. My first sight of action in Cardiff this morning has a couple of portly umpires dancing to the music of a brass band. Only at a Test match.
The first session feels big. If it goes well for England - the new ball is 10 overs away, remember - then they will be well on top. If Australia can get through, they could get close to parity.
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Time for a change in the live text seat. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you.. Mr Stephan Shemilt.
Just don't tweet him and spell his name wrong...
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Henry Blofeld
BBC Test Match Special
"The sky is blue and not a seagull in sight to do anything on my head."
Seagull-gate
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
James Stevens: Re 10:31... "Would that be ironic? Maybe a new lyric for Alanis Morissette"
I can just see Blowers at Karaoke singing "Like-white raaain... On the second da-ayy"
Very good, James. Very good.
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Glenn McGrath
BBC Test Match Special
"I think England at home are a slight different team, it's always tougher here. There has been a lot of talk that they are on their way up and the way they have started here will give them confidence, but if Australia can come out and play well for the rest of this match we will wait and see where they are."
Pitch talk
Boof!
Darren Lehmann's a good, solid bloke isn't he? Look at him below - whistling in the rain. He wouldn't send a steak back because it was blue.
He was also bemoaning the lack of pace in this Cardiff pitch on Sky Sports this morning. I don't blame England... but Lehmann has a point when he suggests the most exciting part of cricket is seeing a fast bowler steaming in.
'We let it slip'
Australia coach Darren Lehmann on Sky Sports: "We have been inconsistent.
"We let it slip a bit yesterday. England have bowled very well and caught very well, which is the name of the game. All our batsmen got in.
"It's a good track so hopefully we can get into the game today. Watson, Lyon, Haddin - those guys have got to perform."
Do you know you gully from your cover?
Sat in the office and wondering what on earth a slip fielder is? Hopefully this little graphic will help today. You can find out more on how to get involved with cricket via our Get Inspired page.
Seagull shenanigans for Blowers
Henry Blofeld
BBC Test Match Special
"I was walking home to my hotel and there were a great lot of seagulls eating on the road. A car disturbed them, they flew up, they flew over me and they deposited on me. I can't tell you what it was like, I thought I was in a hailstorm. On my coat, on my head, on my shoes I had to go straight into the shower. It was really very embarrassing so my friendship with seagulls is really at a crisis point."
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Stevie B, Walsden: I thought this pitch was meant to be lifeless, the way things are going it looks like there is definitely going to be a result, hopefully it'll go England's way, Moeen to spin them out.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It's been competitive hasn't it. England have started the series well. This morning session is massive for both teams. If England can get rid of these last five wickets quickly and find a method of seeing off the tail it will drive the confidence through the team but if that tail wags again for Australia, England will lose a lot of confidence so this is massive for the whole series."
BBC coverage
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Test Match Special are on the air. It's worth listening just to hear Henry Blofeld's story about his run-in with some seagulls last night. Would that be ironic? Maybe a new lyric for Alanis Morissette.
'A special talent'
Sir Ian Botham on Sky Sports, with his views on Ben Stokes: "He's a special talent good enough to bowl and good enough to bat and that's what an all-rounder should be. Add that to the fact he's an excellent fielder anywhere and he's a real talent. We have all said he needs to given more responsibility and I think he will respond to that. He's got a bit of a streak in him which I like."
Taking on the short stuff
It was interesting to hear Moeen Ali talking on Sky Sports last night. He said he has spent the last year working on playing short-pitched bowling in the indoor nets, alongside Jos Buttler. It certainly paid off yesterday.
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Greg Hobbs, Truro: Big night in Cardiff tonight before the cricket tomorrow… if you do find me asleep at the bus stop (or at the game), please give me a nudge. Ta.
Ben Spiro-Hughes: An early morning thought but isn't Ali wasted so low down? I would open him with Cook, so we can play Rashid as well who is still in my opinion the stronger spinner.
Watch out for Braddin
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Cardiff
"England's hopes of a healthy lead could well depend on whether they can crack the tough nut that is Brad Haddin.
"The Australia wicketkeeper saves his best for the Ashes, having scored three centuries and 11 fifties against his country's oldest enemy at an average of 43, compared to a career average of 33.
"Time and again down under in 2013-14, England opened the door to Australia's tail only for Haddin to slam it shut with a counter-punching innings. Snaring him early is the order of the day."
Excuse me, sir...
On the subject of Stuart Broad, I enjoyed Graeme Swann's anecdote on TMS last night. He said he was out one night with Broad, on the last Ashes tour, when they were approached by a man wearing an anti-Broad t-shirt. Unbeknown to the said chap, he stopped and ask Broad for directions to the nearest bar. He didn't know who Broad was... just saw it as a national institution not to like him!
View from down under
The Australian press admit themselves that England are in the ascendency. However, The Age preferred to open their analysis on public enemy number one: Stuart Broad.
As Greg Baum writes: "There are runs, and there are runs. Of the 350 made in Cardiff on day two as England took control of the first Ashes Test, two types of runs that do not appear in the scorebook came to define Australia's faltering endeavours.
"The first is runs as in loosening of the bowels, a condition afflicting Stuart Broad when facing Mitchell Johnson's bowling. At least the fast bowler gestured as much to a mocking fine leg crowd."
You can read the rest here.
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Weather update
As ever, our resident weather forecaster Simon King has today's outlook for us: "It should be another cracking day weather-wise in Cardiff today.
"Lots of sunny spells expected and turning much warmer with a maximum temperature reaching 23°C. Saturday will be a dry day and while it'll start off sunny, the cloud will tend to increase through the day. As a result it'll be a bit cooler at 19°C.
"The last day however looks a bit more dodgy… rain in the morning should clear to the south for the start of play but there's a risk we could see some showers and maybe some interruptions. Watch this space!"
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"On Wednesday many of us thought England edged it. Yesterday it was definitely their day. They got most things right and Australia got hardly anything right - they didn't bat with a lot of common sense. There is a lot of time left for England to win it. I'll be surprised if Australia get up to England's total."
'Pitch is two-paced'
Australia's Chris Rogers, who made 95 in compiling his seventh successive half-century, also admitted England just about hold the edge: "The pitch is a bit two-paced now. You saw with the Adam Voges dismissal that kicked a little. It is going to get harder and harder, but if you set your stall out and you are happy to bat a long time there is still the opportunity.
"It has been an excellent day of Test cricket. England maybe have the slight upper hand but hopefully we can get a few more runs."
'England in better position'
Players from both camps spoke to Test Match Special at the end of the day's play, and Moeen Ali said: "In the first innings of an Ashes, it's important that we got 430 - and the way we put the Australia bowlers under pressure.
"We're slightly ahead. A couple of early wickets tomorrow would put them under pressure. I would rather be in our position than Australia's."
Jonathan Agnew column
Jonathan Agnew, writing for this very website, believes England are in control partly due to Australia's aggressive approach.
"Australia's tactics were too obvious," he said. "They wanted to bang Moeen Ali out of the attack so England would have to use their fast bowlers more often.
"But, as India found out last year, attacking Moeen is dangerous, and especially on a pitch as slow as this."
Read more from Aggers here.
Back pages
There's only one man dominating the back pages of the English newspapers this morning:
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Try it out later when those Aussies wickets are falling. You can even get the updates abroad. Lovely.
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There's Cook's injury, then there's this...
Picture of the day?
Swanny was, of course, talking about the unfortunate incident when skipper Alastair Cook was struck in the unmentionables while fielding at first slip. At least Joe Root found it funny:
Pint-sized Ashes
One of the highlights of the Ashes summer so far - for me, at least - has been the magnificent Pint-sized Ashes put together by my colleagues at 5 live In Short. It's a great two minutes highlights package, and is generally quite funny.
I mean... what on earth could Graeme Swann be talking about here?
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Have you ever fallen asleep at a bus stop? It's easily done at the cricket, I suspect. A few glasses of the good stuff, sun beating down, Chanderpaul at the crease...
Anyway, be sure to stay in contact throughout the day by tweeting us, using #bbccricket, send a text to 81111 or post to the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages. The TMS inbox is also open for business: tms@bbc.co.uk.
Start-of-play scorecard
So, what are the scores on the doors heading into the third day of this intriguing first Test? Here you go:
Sleepy time
Morning all. Totally irrelevant this next bit... but I drove past a person fast asleep at a bus stop this morning. Stood up. How did I know they were asleep? Well, the bus sailed past them.
England will be hoping for similarly dozy antics from Australia this morning. History tells us that this Aussie tail can bat - Brad Haddin topped the batting averages in the last Ashes series and Mitchell Johnson has a Test century to his name.
But the hosts can look forward to the new ball in 10 overs' time. Set up perfectly.
Moeen will tear you apart, again...
Moeen put England in the driving seat in this first Ashes Test yesterday. He smashed 77 off 88 balls to propel England to 430 all out, then took two wickets with the ball.
Those two wickets? Arguably Australia's two most important batsmen: the world's best, Steve Smith, and captain of the Baggy Green, Michael Clarke.
And all this after Smith had gone on the attack and put Moeen into the stands. Impressive.
Arise, sir Moeen
Oh yes... in Moeen Ali, England have a new secret weapon.
A genuine batsman at number eight - he averages 31 and has a Test hundred to his name - he is also a spin bowler of some repute. Admittedly it's early in his career but he currently has a better strike-rate with the ball than Graeme Swann, Monty Panesar Phil Tufnell and Robert Croft.
And the greatest all-rounder of them all: Sir Garfield.
The beard that's feared
Cricket fans have been raised on tales of fast-bowling, big-hitting all-rounders: Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, Jacques Kallis and Richard Hadlee to name but six.
Spin-bowling all-rounders - Sir Garfield Sobers apart - are less celebrated. Certainly in England.
Not anymore.