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.
"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."
"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.
"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.
"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
BBCCopyright: BBC
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)
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
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.
"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.
"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)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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
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
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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.
"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)
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
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)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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)
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
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)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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.
"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
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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?
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
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)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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.
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
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
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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?
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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.
"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)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
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.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
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)
AFPCopyright: AFP
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.
Post update
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."
Post update
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
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
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
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
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.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
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.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
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.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
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.
Live Reporting
Stephan Shemilt and Marc Higginson
All times stated are UK
Get involved
Post 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.
Post update
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'".
Post update
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.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
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.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
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.
Post update
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."
Post update
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?
Post update
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.
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.
Post update
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."
Post update
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.
Post update
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
Post update
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.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
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!
Post update
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.
Post update
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.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
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.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
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.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
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.
Post update
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.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
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)