Coral’s Ashes 1st Test at Cardiff update LIVE! England v Australia

WICKET! Roooot! Starc's edge hits Cook & Lyth finishes the catch! Aus 8 down #Ashes pic.twitter.com/7ULlE0stKw

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2015

(16:41) HIT FOR SIX How do the Aussies celebrate reaching 200 shy of England’s total? Bowler Johnson is inspired with the bat, smashing that one out the ground and he’s two-thirds of the way to a century.

(16:35) TON UP! Australia pass 200 with Johnson hitting his seventh four, and that means a HALF CENTURY. The tourists are 204-7 now.

(16:20) The Aussie total has crept up to 188-7, but it’s tough going for them. Can England bowl them out with a day to spare? They’ve got the evening session to get the three requisite wickets!

(15:41) TEA. Australia are 162-7, exactly 250 runs off the required total of 412. It’s teatime. Back soon.

(15:26) WICKET! Watson out lbw for 19, bowled by Wood. It’s reviewed, but the umpire’s decision stands. Aussies are 151-7. Three wickets standing. Mitchell Starc joins namesake Johnson at the crease.

Fantastic from the bowlers so far today! @StuartBroad8 leading the way with 3-22 http://t.co/XbFzNuzQvY #Ashes pic.twitter.com/8IiVQYja4h

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2015

(15:01) HIT FOR SIX! Johnson smashes one. First one of the day. Long-time coming, but worth the wait from an Australian perspective.

(14:34) WICKET Haddin gone for seven, bowled by Ali. Another great change by captain Cook, who then takes the catch. Aussies now 122-6. England need just four more! First of the Mitchells, Mitchell Johnson in next.

WICKET! What a catch from the skipper!! @MoeenAli gets Haddin! Aus 122-6! 4 wickets to go! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/v6YrBvffhK

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2015

(14:20) Australia now just 300 runs behind…

(14:07) WICKET! The Aussies are crumbling! Voges just gets a snick on Wood’s delivery and Jos Buttler does the necessary. Five wickets down, and they still need more than 300. Brad Haddin in next.

WICKET! Wood joins in now too!!! Voges edges behind! Aus 106-5 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/yENMD7Abyo

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2015

(14:02) KEY WICKET! Captain Clarke is out for just four runs, caught by Stokes off more Broad bowling. Six Wickets left and still more than 300 runs needed at 106-4. Shane Watson is their number six.

(13:44) KEY WICKET! Smith gone for 33 just like that, edging a Broad delivery to Bell, who catches at second slip for the second time today. Australia on 101-3 and Ashes debutante Adam Voges will join captain Clarke at the crease.

WICKET! Beautiful from @StuartBroad8! Takes the outside edge of Smith's bat & that's out! Aus 101-3 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/YOIOG42pQb

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2015

(13:42) TON UP! The Aussies reach 100, and Smith 33 as he finds the boundary for four.

(13:40) Australia skipper Michael Clarke joins Smith, 315 runs needed with eight wickets still standing.

(13:00) LUNCH Just eight more wickets needed for England, but it’s lunchtime. Play resumes in 40 mins.

(12:58) KEY WICKET! Ali replaces Root, and on the stroke of lunch has Warner out lbw for 52. Australia 97-2.

(12:40) HALF CENTURY and it’s David Warner reaching 50 after 22 overs and a shaky start (and when I say shaky I mean shaky). How will Joe Root get on with the ball?

Joe Root about to bowl to David Warner. This is going to be fun! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/UcWRfNP7cw

— NOW TV Sport (@NOWTVSport) July 11, 2015

Our thoughts entirely…

(12:19) LBW appeal! Again the shout is against Warner, but that’s hip height. Can’t give LBW for that!

(12:17) Australia need less than 350 now as they reach 69/1. Warner and Smith then wrack up a HALF CENTURY PARTNERSHIP off 40 balls.

(12:00) First hour done and dusted, Moeen Ali into the England attack, so slow and steady progress from the Aussies, who are 53/1. That’s still well over 350 runs behind the hosts. Warner’s on 27 and Steve Smith in at number three has 11.

(11:43) WICKET! Rogers has gone for 10, fingers underneath as Bell catches Broad’s delivery at second slip. Australia 19-1. Decision reviewed by the Aussies but upheld. England need nine wickets to win!

(11:31) Australia need 400 to win…. Baby-steps towards that total of 412.

(11:22) Broad thinks Warner has edged one, but not out says the umpire. England review, but indeed it’s a great decision from the officials as it came off the Aussie bastman’s pads.

England think they have the first wicket of the day but fail in their review of David Warner http://t.co/MM4AYqtfMH pic.twitter.com/C6UBRkDC6r

— Indy Sport (@IndySport) July 11, 2015

(11:17) LBW appeal! Big shout from Broad and England, who have Rogers under pressure. HawkEye confirms the delivery would miss the wicket though, and Australia survive.

(11:09) DROPPED CATCH! Big chance for England goes begging as Joe Root can’t hold on at third slip as Rogers outside edges from Broad.

(11:07) Enter Stuart Broad to the England bowling attack, and he begins with a maiden!

(11:03) The first over ends with Rogers flicks Anderson’s delivery for four! Just the 408 runs needed now for Australia!

(11:01) Groinwatch! Just the second ball catches Rogers in the lower abdomen. Here’s hoping he wore a cup!

(11:00) Chris Rogers and David Warner start for the Aussies. Jimmy Anderson to bowl this initial over!

(10:45) Let the chase begin! Australia need 412 to take this Test, that’s no big deal really… Just the third-highest run-chase in history and an Ashes record in the offing if they’re to pull it off!

Day Three

Standout performers on day three:

England
Ian Bell – 60 off 89
Joe Root – 60 off 89
Ben Stokes – 42 off 59
Mark Wood – 32 not out off 18

Australia
Nathan Lyon – 4-75

Absolutely love Mark Woods attitude…..#Ashes2015

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 10, 2015

Shouldn't feel nervous about England winning from here…but I do. Tomorrow will be fascinating. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 10, 2015

(18:29) ALL OUT! James Anderson clean bowled by Lyon, who gets his fourth wicket. England all out for 289, with a 411 run lead and two days to go and that’s the end of the day’s action.

Rain dance stopped & as I said earlier, massive twist to come.Can the Aussies get the runs. Big chance if they get through the new ball tmrw

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 10, 2015

Ok Andy Murray match is over, he’s lost, now everyone over to watch the final over of cricket!

(18:24) WICKET! Moeen Ali goes for 14, caught behind; Johnson gets his second dismissal of the match. England on 288-9 with a highly healthy lead of 410.

Loving this, Mr Wood! #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 10, 2015

(18:16) Wood is a surprise hero at the tail-end for England after hitting 29 off his first 15 balls, including a six. England now lead by 405 – no team, club or country, has ever chased down a total higher than this in first-class cricket.

Well it looks like the wicket won't last 5 days #England need to get 450 to be safe #Aussie fighting back

— Allan Lamb (@AllanLamb294) July 10, 2015

(17:49) WICKET! Broad out for just 4, after he slices it to Hazlewood off Lyon, who gets his third wicket this innings and fifth of the match. 245-8.

Nathan Lyon has become the first Australian off-spinner to take 150 Test wickets.

— Investec Cricket (@InvestecCricket) July 10, 2015

(17:41) WICKET! Another gone in quick succession. This time Stokes goes for 42 off Starc after hitting the ball onto his own wicket. 240-7 now.

Might see Aus batting tonight! 240/7. Lead 362

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 10, 2015

(17:36) WICKET! Buttler goes for 7, after being caught behind from Lyon’s delivery. 236-6.

Lyon gets Buttler, who is out trying to reverse-sweep; England, though, lead by over 350 http://t.co/qBRa3Nxfi5 #Ashes #InvestecAshes

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 10, 2015

(17:27) Stokes (30) and Buttler (5) push on to increase England’s lead to 344 runs. 222-5 this innings.

Interesting stat here…

Root's bowled for 60, by Hazlewood! No hundred in both innings in an #Ashes Test for an England batsman in 68 years http://t.co/he1QsOAgEi

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 10, 2015

Aussies praying for rain…

Surely there is rain around for days 4 & 5 at Cardiff ! If not, I'm starting my rain dance now. England have been very good so far #Ashes

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 10, 2015

Never thought I'd be asking this, but what's the forecast for the next 2 days in Cardiff? #Ashes2015

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 10, 2015

(17:05) WICKET! Root out for 60 off Hazelwood’s bowling. Not to worry, though, as England arguably already have a good enough score with over two days to spare. The hosts are now 207-5.

(17:01) Stokes (17) hits a four to help England pass 200 in their second innings. England now 203-4, and 325 runs ahead.

370 is the highest first-class run chase in Cardiff. How many do England need? http://t.co/7fNSGbrcwI #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/IjPp9rcP2Z

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 10, 2015

Thanks Graham, clearly the threat of Sir Geoff helped…

Cricket it is…stokes over murray

— Graham Onions (@BunnyOnions) July 10, 2015

Even football legend Gary Lineker is keeping his eye on the cricket, good lad with good stats…

The Root of all good. https://t.co/gpoCvAGXHY

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 10, 2015

Keep watching the cricket, or we’ll set Geoff Boycott on you!

Tennis or cricket?

— Graham Onions (@BunnyOnions) July 10, 2015

(16:36) HALF CENTURY! Root is in such great form, and adds another 50 to his CV. It took the young Yorkshireman 67 balls to achieve his latest feat, and he incidentally helps England to a 303 run lead over the Aussies. It’s almost a surprise when Root doesn’t get at least 50 these days now.

Watching Federer/Murray #wimbledon and #theashes simultaneously. Confusing. Thought @JoeRoot05 had put the ball out when in fact he hit a 4.

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) July 10, 2015

ROOOOOOT !!!! pic.twitter.com/DkA9FSGwyq

— Fred Boycott (@FredBoycott) July 10, 2015

(16:18) LANDMARK WICKET! Johnson reaches a total of 1 wickets for this 1st Test, as the Aussies finally get Bell out for 60 – clean bowled. England now 170-4.

Mitchell Johnson has his first Test wicket in England since August 21, 2009

— Simon Wilde (@swildecricket) July 10, 2015

Great Tweet in relation to Watson’s LBW record against England…

@bbctms Post of the day: pic.twitter.com/gVQ8uQxU4K

— Martyn Gorse (@MartynGorse) July 10, 2015

(16:08) Johnson gets 150! That’s 150 runs against him without getting a wicket… keep it up lad.

(16:01) Evening session beings.

England now dominating. Australia have to keep hanging in there because still a long time left in this game http://t.co/jvjPLhakxi

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 10, 2015

Only Rain can save the Aussies now in this Test Match… #Justsaying #Ashes2015

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 10, 2015

(15:41) TEA. England lead by 271 runs with seven wickets in hand. Bell on 53, Root on 31.

TEA: On day three and @englandcricket lead by 271 in Cardiff: http://t.co/7fNSGbrcwI #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/yH90ZitoYd

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 10, 2015

(15:37) HALF CENTURY! 10th time lucky; 56 runs in his past nine innings, Bell manages 53 so far in one here! Terrific batting from the veteran to help England to 149-3.

.@Ian_Bell brings up 50! Great knock Belly! Eng 149-3. Lead 271 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/H2xqLNZA2Q

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 10, 2015

Australia have not chased down a score of 250 or more in the fourth innings of an Ashes Test Match since 1948 (Leeds)

— Investec Cricket (@InvestecCricket) July 10, 2015

Good weather in Cardiff…

Glorious. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/hPcGLwQ9k4

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 10, 2015

.@joeroot05 nicks two balls through the slip area off Shane Watson's first over. Cracking trolling from the Yorkshireman #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 10, 2015

Bell and Root's partnership has now moved past 50. ENG 125-3 and in a very strong position currently #Ashes

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 10, 2015

(15:00) As the clock strikes three, England pass 100 for their second innings total. Bell on 33, Root on 8. 101-3, 223 ahead.

Bell, meanwhile, is still looking in good touch; can he get an international career-saving big score? Root is 21/20 to be next England batsman out.

England are now odds-on favourites at 2/5 with Coral to win this 1st Test.

(14:43) Cricket fan Piers Morgan still going on about Kevin Pietersen…

We're 100% sure we don't need @KP24 in this England top order, right? #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 10, 2015

(14:34) In lighter news, Johnson is still yet to get a wicket – the only one from both teams that has bowled over nine overs in total to do so. His figures are 0-136 across both innings. Hopefully we haven’t spoken too soon…

(14:29) WICKET! Lyth goes for 37 after being brilliant caught by Michael Clarke at full stretch in the slips. Lyon gets the wicket. England are 73-3, with dangerman Root now in bat with Bell.

WICKET! Clarke takes a brilliant catch at slip as Lyon draws an edge from Lyth: http://t.co/7fNSGbrcwI #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/YRK0mlb0zp

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 10, 2015

(14:15) Like in their first innings, England seemingly steady the ship after a poor start. However, against that, first innings flops Bell and Lyth, who got 1 and 6 respectively, are now leading the charge. You’d think a lead of 300 would be enough for England on this pitch; they are already 193 ahead on 71-2.

No better stroke player, nor nicer guy, in this England team than @Ian_Bell. Hope he gets a big score today. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 10, 2015

(14:05) Under-fire Ian Bell, who scored 56 runs in his previous nine innings, looking better today as he reaches 17 off 13 balls. Lyth on 23 now as England are at 58-2.

#England batsmen need to positive as the wicket is starting to play up !!!

— Allan Lamb (@AllanLamb294) July 10, 2015

(13:46) WICKET! Josh Hazelwood gets his wicket, though, getting Ballance out, who is caught behind for a duck. England now 22-2, the pitch is getting even worse it seems.

WICKET Extra bounce does for Ballance off Hazlewood. Out caught behind. Eng 22-2. Lead 144 #Ashes

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 10, 2015

(13:43) NOT OUT! Drama after just the first ball of the session as Australia review an LBW decision given not out by the on-field umpire. Replays show it was hitting Lyth’s leg stump, but only clipping.

(13:42) Afternoon session begins.

(13:03) LUNCH. England still on top as they are 143 runs ahead of Australia. They are on 21-1 in their second innings, captain Cook was the one to go.

Another OUSTANDING session from the boys this morning! Fancy us to build to on it this afternoon with the bat! Turn the screw, lads… #Ashes

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) July 10, 2015

(12:55) Yorkshire back in the crease, as Lyth and Ballance are the two English batsmen. It was the latter and another Yorkie Root that saved the day in the first innings.

Well bowled England. Bat well for a 450 lead now and its in the bag. Come on boys. And yorkies are leading the charge.

— Tim Bresnan (@timbresnan) July 10, 2015

(12:52) WICKET! Cook (12) is caught as Starc takes his sixth wicket of the match. The captain hit to Lyon, who caught well low down. England on 17-1.

Cookie gone driving at a wide one from a limping Starc. Didn't need that before the break but England still well on top! #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 10, 2015

Leg spin legend Shane Warne can’t stop talking all of a sudden…

Also, Captain Cook had his best day as Captain too, well done ! I still believe there is a huge twist to come, Aust must be batting tonight

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 10, 2015

Flurry of Tweets from former/current pros now…

Well #Australia started as favourites and there was not a lot of support for #England they now proving there critics wrong !!!!!

— Allan Lamb (@AllanLamb294) July 10, 2015

Great morning from the boys!! Let's hope they can crack on from here!! #WeAreEngland #Ashes2015

— Sarah Taylor (@Sarah_Taylor30) July 10, 2015

Eng's bowlers put on a display in that 1st innings,lovely mix of aggression & patience.Said it before the test, Harris a huge loss for Aust

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 10, 2015

Aust must bowl well with the new ball or they will be only batting to save the test 2nd time round or rely on Cook batting to long/rain Haha

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 10, 2015

(12:22) England second innings begins. The hosts lead by 122 runs as Adam Lyth and Alastair ‘balls of steel’ Cook go back into bat. Mitchell ‘no wickets’ Johnson begins the bowling.

Pleasure to watch England this morning…@jimmy9 is a genius…. #Ashes2015

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 10, 2015

Standout performers after Australia’s first innings:

England
James Anderson – 3-43
Stuart Broad – 2-60
Mark Wood – 2-66
Moeen Ali – 2-71

Australia
Chris Rogers – 95 off 133
No one else…

England all over Australia this morning. They've taken the game by the scruff of the neck. Australia need to find som http://t.co/jvjPLhakxi

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 10, 2015

308 all out. Perfect! What a good bowling performance it has been #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 10, 2015

That is that! Unbelievable effort from the bowlers!Massive and hopefully a match winning lead!Perfect start for the boys this morning #ashes

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) July 10, 2015

BRILLIANT! #England #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 10, 2015

(12:13) ALL OUT! Anderson gets three as Mitchell Starc edges to third slip Joe Root, who takes it well. Australia 122 behind after getting 308.

(12:06) WICKET! Another! Stuart Broad is the fourth England bowler to get two dismissals this innings, as he gets Mitchell Johnson (we’ll remind you of his figures of 0-111) out for 14 after he hits to Gary Ballance at mid-wicket. 306-9.

Set my alarm for the ashes in #Vegas before my day 3 at the #WSOP. Should of kept sleeping, England on fire, Australia in trouble in Cardiff

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 10, 2015

(12:00) WICKET! James Anderson (2-43) continues England’s fine start to the day, as he gets Haddin out for 22. The wicketkeeper was caught behind by counterpart Jos Buttler. 304-8 now, and the Aussies trail by 126 runs.

Haddin Gone! Anderson has been brilliant since the new ball, hooping it both ways. The Aussie keeper snicks to Buttler #Ashes

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 10, 2015

(11:53) Former Aussie great Glenn McGrath may want to go back on his words after predicting Australia would win 10-0 this Ashes… “I don’t mind making the odd prediction here and there – and everyone expects me to say 5-0 – but I’m trying something slightly different this time because you don’t want to just say the same old, same old – but Australia to me are up 5-0 already… so my prediction is 10-0 Australia,” he said before the series.

A great start for England. Australia need Haddin & Johnson to replicate what they did in 2013/14 http://t.co/jvjPLhakxi

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 10, 2015

(11:44) NOT OUT! Ben Stokes’ LBW shout narrowly misses the stumps after challenging the umpire’s call of not out against Brad Haddin. 299-7.

New ball taken and doing lots and @billbarmytrump piping up for the first time -not the easiest time to be an Aussie batsman! #goodluckmitch

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 10, 2015

(11:23) WICKET! Can we play Australia every week? Another batsman goes, this time Lyon on 6. Mark Wood gets his second scalp after trapping the spinner for LBW with a terrific yorker. 265-7 now, England were only four wickets down at this stage in their innings.

Aus have lost 2/1 this morning. New ball due in 5 overs

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 10, 2015

(11:07) WICKET! Broad get his first wicket, with Watson (30) out LBW. The Aussie all-rounder reviewed it but replays showed it clipped the top of the leg stump, meaning it sticks with the umpire’s call. Australia 265-6.

"Watson has been out lbw against England 40% of the time …" http://t.co/1i2X4saTpu

— simon hughes (@theanalyst) July 10, 2015

WICKET! Early breakthrough from Broad as he wraps Watson on the pads for 30: http://t.co/7fNSGbrcwI #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/BaXp2DbyP4

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 10, 2015

(11:00) PLAY BEGINS! Shane Watson (29) and Nathan Lyon (6) in bat.

England just edge the 1st Test so far, so take advantage of Coral’s odds of 31/20 for them to win in Cardiff while you can!

Australia start the day in bat at 264-5, 166 runs behind England first innings total.

Action to follow…

Day Two

Standout performers on day two:

England
Moeen Ali – 77 off 88 balls, and bowling figures of 2-67

Australia
Mitchell Starc – 5-114

Chris Rogers – 95 off 133

(18:32) PLAY ENDS. Australia finish the second day on 258-5.

(18:21) WICKET! England get another wicket as Voges goes this time for 31, as Ben Stokes takes his first scalp of the series with Anderson the catcher.

The Barmy Army give it their all as always

Serious work in the stands as @billbarmytrump rallies the troops #Ashes2015 #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/9kCh8RxgQj

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 9, 2015

BOOM! Superb by Moeen Ali. He's got Smith & Clarke now, two huge wickets. Confounding the sceptics about his bowling….me included. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 9, 2015

(17:10) WICKET! Clarke is caught and bowled by Ali, who gets his second dismissal. What a catch! The skipper was out for 38, with Australia are now on 207-4.

Big one: Clarke c and b Moeen. 207/4

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 9, 2015

(17:01) Clarke (34) and Voges (13) looking steady, though, as they take the Baggy Greens’ score to 202-3.

Adam Voges, at 35 years of age, is playing in his first ever Ashes Test series, and you can take tempting odds of 10/11 with Coral for him to be the fourth Aussie out in their first innings.

(16:28) WICKET! Hope punters took our last tip? A good score from Rogers, but he’ll be gutted to be out for 95. Mark Wood gets his first ever Ashes wicket, as Buttler catches from behind. Australia now 180-3.

An unfortunate record for Rogers: 7 consecutive 50's without reaching 100. 180/3

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 9, 2015

(16:23) Rogers nearly caught behind but his shot just goes over wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. He is 10/11 with Coral to be the third Aussie out.

It's been @CricketAus' day in Cardiff so far: http://t.co/UfPzlxPbrW #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/RPmFZWwxzR

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

(16:21) Rogers nearing his fifth Test century as he is now on 89, to help the Aussies to 167-2.

Big wicket of Steve Smith that session. Wicket is at it's best to bat on now. Scoring rate at 4 runs per over, has be http://t.co/jvjPLhakxi

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 9, 2015

(16:01) Evening session begins. Can England get a couple more wickets before the end of day two?

While you are sipping your tea and eating a scone during the break, why not take a punt on Australia getting over 470.5 runs in the first innings at 17/20 in Coral’s in-play betting?

(15:41) TEA! Australia drop two key wicket in Warner and Smith, but still look in control on 145-2. Rogers advances to 74 while Clarke adds 11 to his team’s score.

Rogers looking in good nick alongside the skipper @MClarke23. http://t.co/UfPzlxPbrW #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/OC0euFHybt

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

(15:26) KEY WICKET!!! Smith goes for 33, paltry by his current standards! Ali and Cook the heroes, as the latter took a catch at short mid-on from the former’s delivery. Captain Michael Clarke the new batsman with his team on 129-2.

WICKET: Moeen temps Smith in to an ugly shot and he goes at short mid-on: http://t.co/UfPzlxPbrW #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/XeEzXeMl4D

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

(15:18) Australia are busting Cook’s balls metaphorically as well as literally now, as they are on 125-1, just 305 runs behind. England in need of wickets.

"Smith looks like he's targeting Moeen Ali early in the series!!…" http://t.co/jvjPLhakxi

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 9, 2015

(14:55) Groin watch. Cook checking himself on the edge of the boundary, as he readies himself to come back on.

(14:49) Cook still not back on the pitch, but here is footage of the unfortunate incident…

Alistair Cook taking one for the team #Ashes https://t.co/kVRLy4emnA

— Coral (@Coral) July 9, 2015

(14:48) HALF CENTURY! Rogers, 37, gets his 12th career Test 50, and his seventh in succession.

Seven 50s in a row for Rogers in Test matches: http://t.co/UfPzlxPbrW #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/fwbhoyQWYK

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

(14:38) Australia steadily increase their total to 77-1. Rogers on 47 and Smith on 6.

England still looking good, take excellent odds of 13/5 for them to win this 1st Test with Coral while you can.

(14:23) Let’s remember a more composed Cook, by watching this brilliant catch he made not long before being grounded…

WATCH: A wonderful diving catch from Cook helps Anderson remove the danger man Warner for 17. #MyAshesSummer http://t.co/Dvv7akH5Rd

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

Root takes over as captain. He'll have the Aussies all out by tea.. #FromYorkshire

— Fred Boycott (@FredBoycott) July 9, 2015

(14:15) Spoke too soon, Cook runs off the pitch while grimissing. Hopefully just temporarily but a sub fielder is on. A giggling Joe Root is now technically on-field captain.

The captain is up ! Nasty blow no one wears a box when standing at 1st slip….. Ouuuccchhhh !

— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) July 9, 2015

(14:11) Captain Cook takes one for the team, as he gets hit right in the nads. Ouch. Play temporarily stopped while he collects himself. The incident happened after Smith edged it, and the bounce just before it got to Cook clearly deceived him. Thankfully he is now up… well up and down.

MAN DOWN! Cook gets a painful one but Joe Root can't help but crack a smile! http://t.co/UfPzlxPbrW #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/vh4qknviTa

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

(14:06) WICKET! Warner goes this time for 17, as he’s caught by Alastair Cook at first slip off Anderson. Aussies are 52-1. Unfortunately for England, though, the world number one Test batter, Steve Smith, steps out onto this crease. C’mon Jimmy!

WICKET! Jimmy makes the breakthrough dismissing Warner for 17! http://t.co/UfPzlxPbrW #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/PHdt7ZEQSC

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

(13:54) Australia are 43-0. England were three wickets down at this same stage. Rogers on 20, Warner on 17.

Need a wicket soon England or this could get very painful very quickly. #Ashes2015

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 9, 2015

(13:49) NOT OUT! Australia successful in their appeal to overturn Warner been given out. Anderson thought he got him out LBW, but the review showed it pitched outside leg. So unlucky.

Warner survives after a review shows it was pitching outside leg. http://t.co/UfPzlxPbrW #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/vum2YXqY4N

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

(13:42) Afternoon session begins.

(13:05) LUNCH. Aussies make solid start to their innings with 26-0. Rogers on 15 and Warner with 5. Anderson, Broad, Wood and Ali have all bowled.

Australia 26-0 at lunch Decent morning for England Catch up here: http://t.co/Bh2Pm982Wd #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Unoz8dMC3S

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 9, 2015

(12:37) Interesting Tweet here…

Five of them were against Australia however… Follow the #Ashes live http://t.co/4WyhijsnfY pic.twitter.com/fADXkrCyjt

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 9, 2015

(12:35) NOT OUT! Rogers, who has never been out for a duck in his 40 Test innings, survives a review after England thought he may have been caught LBW. Turns out he inside edged it onto his pad. Australia are 11-0.

(12:29) PLAY BEGINS! Australia openers Chris Rogers and David Warner enter the crease for their first batting innings. Anderson bowls the first over.

Johnson's 0-111 is the 2nd time he's broken 100 without taking a wicket. The other time was Brisbane in 2010.. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/799oaWsH0v

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 9, 2015

Standout performers after England’s first innings:

England
Joe Root – 134 off 166 balls
Moeen Ali – 77 off 88
Gary Ballance – 61 off 149
Ben Stokes – 52 off 78

Ian Bell fails again with the bat getting 1 run off 7 balls.

Australia
Mitchell Starc – 5-114
Josh Hazlewood – 3-83
Nathan Lyon – 2-69

Mitchell Johnson flops with the ball taking no wickets for 111 runs.

430 all out. 87/3 this morning

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 9, 2015

(12:13) ALL OUT! Anderson is the last batsman to go but England still record a terrific total on a terrible pitch. The hosts achieve 430 from 102.1 overs, and are seemingly in charge of the match. Starc, meanwhile, gets his third Test five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-114. That compares to Johnson’s 0-111.

"Brilliant morning for England…momentum so important during matches and they have in 60 m…" http://t.co/3E4zCIMfXj

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 9, 2015

(12:02) WICKET! Ali finally out after a brilliant innings of 77 off 88 deliveries to help England to 419-9. Mark Wood and final batsman James Anderson are now in. Mitchell Starc gets his fourth wicket of the innings, as Ali edges to first slip Shane Watson.

WICKET @MoeenAli caught in the slips for a terrific 77. Well batted Mo! England 419-9 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/g0vrdCIgna

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 9, 2015

(11:49) England surpass 400 runs.

(11:46) WICKET! Broad out this time as he is caught behind by butterfingers Brad Haddin off spinner Nathan Lyon, who gets his second dismissal. England are 395-8.

WICKET! Broad out for 18 #Ashes

— Coral (@Coral) July 9, 2015

(11:37) Another landmark for the day too as Johnson reaches a century of runs scored against him…

Congratulation to Mitchell Johnson. A superb century. pic.twitter.com/7coMWevRs6

— Fred Boycott (@FredBoycott) July 9, 2015

(11:37) HALF CENTURY! Ali becomes the fourth Englishman to reach 50 this innings. The all-rounder is on 52 off 70 balls. Good batting. England now 384-7.

Brilliant batting by Moeen Ali. Our tail wags like a giraffe's these days. #Ashes2015

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 9, 2015

(11:21) NOT OUT! Mitchell Johnson thought he’d finally got is his first wicket of the 2015 Ashes series as the umpire raised his finger to give a catch out from Broad. Adam Voges, 35, did well to get to the ball, but he was adjudged to have let it slip through his fingers and hit the ground.

Broad is lucky, but the bouncers are clearly getting to him.

Johnson denied his first wicket as replays show Voges’ catch wasn’t clean: http://t.co/UfPzlxPbrW #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/GAZj2H0RGF

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 9, 2015

(11:17) Good start from England as they add 19 runs to the scoreboard (now 362-7). 6ft 6in Broad (on 11), though, is hit on the head by a low bouncer and not for the first time. His batting form arguably declined after suffering a horrific blow to his nose in a series against India last year.

(11:00) PLAY BEGINS! On time this time. Ali (26) and Broad (0) are in bat for he hosts.

England start the day in bat at 343-7.

Action to follow…

Goosebumps this morning. Great first day! Set up to be a fantastic series. Thanks for all the lovely messages.#ashes pic.twitter.com/uGEcf1gtcV

— Joe Root (@joeroot05) July 8, 2015

Day One

Standout performers on day one:

England
Joe Root – 134 off 166 balls
Gary Ballance – 61 off 149
Ben Stokes – 52 off 78

Ian Bell fails again with the bat getting 1 run off 7 balls.

Australia
Josh Hazlewood – 3-70
Mitchell Starc – 3-84

Mitchell Johnson flops with the ball taking no wickets for 87 runs.

England arguably on top for the day despite a bad start. They can largely thank wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who dropped Root on 0.

Here's a look at England's batting card after @joeroot05's superb 134. http://t.co/iWgMdBCUgg #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/yDB1LB0KHH

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2015

A tough day for Mitchell Johnson but Josh Hazlewood the pick of the bowlers: http://t.co/iWgMdBCUgg #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/cRyQyKDNOT

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2015

(18:48) PLAY ENDS. England finish the first day on 343-7.

(18:37) WICKET! Buttler goes for 27, after hitting a tame shot to Johnson at mid-on from Hazelwood’s bowling. The Aussie seamer now has figures of 3-70 off 20.5 overs.

(18:35) Buttler (27) and Ali (26) reach 50 partnership. England are 343-6.

(18:23) Interesting Tweet from Sky Sports News. Ian Bell, who got 1 run earlier off seven balls, to be replaced for 2nd Test? Or can he pull off another international career-saving high score in the second innings?

Since he scored 143 back in April, Ian Bell has played nine innings for England managing just 56 runs. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/GOQPyBvJoM

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) July 8, 2015

(18:19) Buttler (14) and Moeen Ali (20) steadily add to England’s score late on to take their team to 324-6.

(17:52) WICKET! Not long after hitting a 50, Stokes is clean bowled by Starc, who takes his third wicket. Score is 293-6.

WICKET Stokes brings up his fifty, but Starc bowls a peach of an away swinger to dislodge the bails. Eng 293-6 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/MFUO0H99x2

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 8, 2015

(17:50) HALF CENTURY! Like Root and Ballance before him, Stokes (52) passes the 50 mark. England now on 293-5.

(17:36) Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler now comes into bat with the score 280-5.

WICKET Root out caught in the slips. What a knock from @joeroot05! 134. Well batted Rooty! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Wp9TEELuno

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 8, 2015

(17:34) KEY WICKET!!! England hero Root finally out on 134 as he is caught behind at first slip by Shane Watson off former Yorkshire teammate Starc.

Well played @joeroot05

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 8, 2015

(17:12) Root (129 off 157 balls) and Stokes (32 off 43) clearly bring their ODI form into this match as they now take England’s score to 260-4.

A great hundred by Joe Root. How fortunes can change with a little luck. Apart from first 2 balls. Hasn't been challe http://t.co/jvjPLhakxi

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 8, 2015

(16:52) The hosts are 238-4 now, after being 43-3 earlier, with Stokes on 20 and Root on 119.

Roooooooooooot! #Ashes

— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) July 8, 2015

(16:49) England literally smashing it now, as Stokes fires another six, this time far more cleanly.

(16:35) “A Bit of Fry and Laurie” Ashes Tweeting…

Oh Root, Joe Root, Joe Root @joeroot05 – thank you for making an old man happy. #ashes

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) July 8, 2015

Praying we'll be able to look back and remember this as the summer of Root.

— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) July 8, 2015

(16:25) First six of the 2015 Ashes as all-rounder and new batsman Ben Stokes (13) top edges off Mitchell Johnson to smash it over the boundary. England are 219-4.

"We are watching the making of a legend here in Cardiff…..#Roooooooooooottttt #Ashes #Yor…" http://t.co/3E4zCIMfXj

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 8, 2015

Well played @joeroot05 . What a talent!

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 8, 2015

(16:21) CENTURY!!! Root gets a century! His seventh in Tests, and second against Australia. Wonderful display from the vice-captain, who fires the sixth-quickest ever England Ashes hundred (118 balls).

WICKET! Hazlewood breaks the partnership trapping Ballance lbw. More here: http://t.co/6OR4GJ0obo #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/uMJbuSR013

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2015

(16:12) WICKET! Ballance goes for 61. Out LBW by Hazelwood, who gets his second scalp. England are 196-4.

You can't afford to give Joe Root a second chance dropped 2nd ball on "0"….great fightback by Root & Ballance !!

— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) July 8, 2015

(16:06) Evening session begins. Just to recap, England lost three early wickets but Ballance and Root, dropped by Haddin on 0, have steadied the ship.

Great to see Yorkshire are doing well against @CricketAus. #Yorkshire #Ashes

— Welcome to Yorkshire (@Welcome2Yorks) July 8, 2015

(15:45) TEA. England back in control at 190-3 after 52 overs. Ballance on 59 and Root nearing his seventh Test hundred on 93.

He has battled hard and Ballance has now reached his fifty. More here: http://t.co/6OR4GJ0obo #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/BCPhdUuXFM

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2015

(15:20) HALF CENTURY! Ballance follows Root in reaching 50 (53), from 127 balls, to help England to 179-3.

Root could be the greatest batsman England ever produces. He's that good. #Ashes2015 @joeroot05

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 8, 2015

(15:07) 157-3, Zimbabwe-born Ballance (47) and probable future Test captain Root (79) really beginning to push on now and making up for the three early dismissals. If you want something done, let Yorkshire handle it…

Morning from Vegas ! What's the ashes score please & how can I watch from here ? Help followers !!! Missing being in the @SkyCricket box !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 8, 2015

(14:47) Keen Ashes follower Shane Warne…

Could be a painful summer for Ballance if he doesn't find a better method than this against the short ball

— Chris Tremlett (@ChrisTremlett33) July 8, 2015

(14:30) Ballance is using an effective way of combating the short ball – getting his body in front of it… Ouch! England are now 139-3.

Joe Root different class at moment #ENGvAUS #Ashes2015

— Phil Tufnell (@philtufnell) July 8, 2015

(14:20) HALF CENTURY! Root reaches 50. Perhaps Haddin will live to regret his earlier dropped catch.

.@EnglandCricket's form man is delivering once again… #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/8OcAuYbpx2

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2015

(14:12) Ballance (38) and Root (43) make a steady start after the break, as the hosts reach 110-3.

Come on Yorkshire, we can rescue this.

— Fred Boycott (@FredBoycott) July 8, 2015

(13:45) Afternoon session begins. C’mon England!

Love an Ashes summer on @SkyCricket, C'mon England! #MyAshesSummer

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 8, 2015

(13:06) LUNCH. England are 88-3.

(13:03) Yorkshire duo Ballance (25) and Root (33) push on, getting the hosts to 88-3, despite the rain getting heavier.

Root is different class to any other England batsman. Fantastic player, always looking to attack. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 8, 2015

(12:26) DROPPED CATCH! Finally some luck for England, as new batsman and key player Joe Root is dropped by Haddin on 0 in the 15th over. How crucial could that be?

The English batsman all seem desperate to watch the Murray match #Ashes

— Richard Osman (@richardosman) July 8, 2015

(12:20) WICKET! Under-fire Ian Bell is out for just 1 shortly after entering the crease. This time starlet Mitchell Starc catches him out with an inswinger and gets him out LBW. England now 43-3.

Quite an over from Starc. Bell's wicket, a dropped catch & two more appeals #MyAshesSummer http://t.co/iWgMdBCUgg pic.twitter.com/iCKkgR9x9b

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2015

(12:14) WICKET! Captain Alastair Cook and Gary Ballance attempt to steady the ship as they put on 42-1, but the former is sent walking after being caught behind by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Cook goes for 20.

"Will say now… This is a very very poor Cricket pitch…. #Ashes2015…" http://t.co/3E4zCIMfXj

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 8, 2015

(11:23) WICKET! Ashes debutant Adam Lyth is caught by a smug-looking pantomime villain David Warner in the slips off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood. England are 7-1 and Lyth makes just 6.

Just a reminder of how #England and #Australia line up in the first #Ashes Test. http://t.co/E2XW7OGuqR pic.twitter.com/aFqHybbBAa

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2015

(11:15) PLAY BEGINS. Despite some light drizzle in the air.