The only time Australia successfully chased over 400 to win an Ashes test against England, a 39-year-old Don Bradman stroked an unbeaten 173, his final test century,
Australian cricket great Don Bradman. Photo: SUPPLIED
His teammate Arthur Morris chimed in with 182 for that match at Headingley in 1948.
Australia need the same heroics over the remaining two days in Cardiff just to save the first test of 2015, let alone get anywhere near the victory target of 412, if they are to deny the home team drawing first blood in the series.
England ended day three in command but spinner Nathan Lyon, who took four for 75 in England's second innings, said the game was not yet over.
"If we bat two days we win the game," he said.
"We've got to learn from our first innings especially our batters aiming to be more hungry at the crease ... turn 30s into big hundreds."
Bowler Nathan Lyon appeals for the lbw of Joe Root during the first Test Match between England and Australia in Cardiff. Photo: Photosport
Australia's hopes of getting close to England's first innings 430 evaporated on day three when they lost five wickets in adding just 44 runs to their overnight total.
That meant a deficit of 122 and England again batted positively the second time around to pad their lead although Lyon and Australia's pacemen did enjoy some success late in the day to bowl the hosts out for 289.
Lyon said there was no doom and gloom in the Australian dressing room.
"Tomorrow is a new day of cricket, the sun will come up. We get to start fresh with our batters, get mentally switched on from ball one," he added.
"Records are made to be broken. We are remaining positive."
