The selection picture hasn’t got much clearer ahead of the first Ashes Test next week, but at least Australia have batsmen in form.

Phil Hughes has cemented a place in the line-up with a thrashing 86 on day three of the practice match against Worcestershire, but it’s anyone’s guess where he’ll end up in the order.

Australia are 3-241 in their second innings, with Michael Clarke backing up his first innings 62 to be 85 not out at the tea interval, alongside Steve Smith at 4no.

The Australians are surging towards victory and lead by 353 runs.

Ed Cowan hinted in a radio interview he’ll bat at No.3 in the first Test starting next week, however yet another innings where he failed to push on from a start means he’s failed to put his place at Trent Bridge beyond doubt.

Cowan was out lbw for 34, although he made it clear walking off that he felt he’d got bat to ball.

Hughes was under as much pressure as anyone heading into the series, after struggles in India, an underwhelming lead-in and the fact he’s been dominated by England in his previous five Ashes Tests.

But the left-hander was at his swashbuckling best at New Road, his former county home ground, smashing 13 fours and three sixes in his 84-ball knock.

At one point Hughes struck seven fours and a six in a burst of just 11 balls.

He was ultimately out attempting an audacious flick down the leg-side.

Clarke looks in excellent touch despite his long absence with a back injury.

He looks free and comfortable, as if he’d never left the crease.

Clarke has faced just 74 balls for his 85 and, with 10 fours and two sixes.

Chris Rogers made 26 at the top opening with Cowan, but fell lbw in the 11th over.