Ashes: England Hold the Aces as Australia Face Record Chase

England have their noses ahead in the first Ashes Test of 2015 in Cardiff as Australia have been set a record target of 412 (All images AFP)

Continuing from an overnight score of 264/5, Australia failed to narrow down the first innings deficit by too much as England bowlers were spot-on.

Australia were bowled out for 308, trailing England by 122 runs.

Alastair Cook struggled to get going and was dismissed for 12 by Mitchell Starc.

Adam Lyth freed his arms early, smashing four fours and a six in his knock of 37.

Josh Hazlewood removed Adam Lyth after the English opening started well. He fell for 37.

Ian Bell got over his woeful form and led the England batting from the front.

Bell had the in-form Joe Root for company, who hit nine fours in his knock of 60.

Ian Bell soon brought up his fifty as England added to their first-innings lead.

After a good knock, a superb delivery from Mitchell Johnson sent the England batsman packing for 60.

Ben Stokes offered some late-order surge with a 42 off 59 balls.

No. 10 batsman Mark Wood provided some late entertainment, smashing 32 off 18 balls.

Nathan Lyon bagged four wickets as England were bowled out for 289 at the close of third day's play. Australia need 413 over the next two days to draw first blood.