Australia were on Friday setting their sights on a major first-innings lead in the opening Ashes Test after overcoming the loss of three quick wickets to frustrate England's efforts.

Resuming the third morning of the first npower Test trailing by 186 runs on 249 for one, Australia's hopes of establishing a major stranglehold in Cardiff appeared undermined when they lost three wickets in nine overs before lunch.

But after that uncertain period in the morning session, vice-captain Michael Clarke and Marcus North forged an unbroken 127-run partnership to guide them into a 23-run lead at tea on 458 for four.

It was another impressive response by Australia after losing centurions Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting in quick succession to the new ball before left-arm spinner Monty Panesar dismissed Michael Hussey.

It was not until England took the new ball they began gaining some encouragement, although Ponting hit James Anderson for two boundaries in its first over while Flintoff's first ball of the following over flew so wide wicketkeeper Matt Prior had to take it in front of first slip.

But once Anderson found his range and began to swing it, Australia looked less comfortable with Katich finally falling for an impressive 122 in the fifth over with the new ball - caught on the pad.

Anderson struck again six overs later to claim his second wicket in a six-over spell with Hussey attempting to drive outside off-stump but edging behind to give Prior a low catch.

England captain Andrew Strauss decided to replace Anderson four overs later with Panesar and the switch brought immediate rewards when he claimed the scalp of the Australian captain. Ponting had just reached another milestone by progressing to his 150 when he spotted a short ball from Panesar and rocked back in preparation of adding to his 14 fours and a six in his innings.

For one of the few times in his innings spanning over five hours, however, Ponting mis-timed his shot and got a bottom edge on to his stumps to give England an unexpected bonus before the interval.

It provided England with the opportunity to put pressure on Australia for the first time since they began their innings, but Clarke (70no) and North (50no) remained composed throughout and neither batsmen gave a chance.