England fast bowler Stuart Broad has found some menacing form on day one of the tour match against an Invitational XI in Sydney.

Broad had figures of 2-15 from seven overs on Wednesday at the SCG, after carving through the Invitational side’s top order to leave them 3-85 at lunch.

Fallen Test batsman Ed Cowan batted calmly through the early carnage to be 51 not out from 75 balls.

Broad devastated Australia in the fourth Test of the last Ashes series in Durham, and once again shapes as a dangerman.

With spearhead James Anderson rested for the final pre-Ashes tour match, Broad took the new ball and bowled with good speed.

The 27-year-old has embraced his casting as Ashes super villain, and seems to thrive on the negative emotion he created when he refused to walk at Trent Bridge when he nicked one behind.

Broad got the better of Australian captain Michael Clarke in the last series with the short ball and judging by his first spell in Sydney, he’s in good nick for this summer despite barely getting a bowl last week in Hobart.

In just the second over Broad had Invitational opener Aaron Finch edging behind for 4.

Finch made a king pair in his last Sheffield Shield match and couldn’t shake the funk.

Broad’s next victim was Callum Ferguson, trapped lbw for 8.

Steve Finn and Boyd Rankin form the rest of the England pace battery, with Anderson and Chris Tremlett rested.

There’s one position open in the bowling attack for the first Test, and Finn put his hand up, taking the wicket of Kurtis Patterson (5).

England won the toss and elected to put more work into the legs of their bowlers, including spinner Graeme Swann.

As expected, England batsman Kevin Pietersen was passed fit to play despite an ongoing knee problem.