The Ashes: Joe Root Hands England Early Advantage

Joe Root's magnificent 134 helped England take the honours on the first day of the Ashes 2015 in Cardiff (All photos AFP).

After a brief rain delay and in cloudy conditions, Alastair Cook won the toss and opted to bat first against Australia.

In gloomy conditions, England struggled early on as they were reduced to 43/3.

Alastair Cook started well but was sent back for 20 by Nathan Lyon.

Ian Bell's woeful form continued as he was trapped LBW by Mitchell Starc for 1.

Joe Root began the process of steadying the England ship after early wreckage.

Gary Ballance joined forces with Root to defy the Aussie bowlers who had their tails up after early in-roads.

Root and Ballance added 135 runs for the 4th wicket before Ballance departed for 62.

Root continued to score from one end and soon brought up a well-deserved fifty.

Root eventually perished on 134 after putting England on top on Day 1.

A fiery knock from Ben Stokes - 52 off 78 - ended with a send-off from Starc.

England finished on 343/7 at the close of play. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood bagged three wickets each.