Michael Clarke and David Hussey warmed up for Friday’s one-day series opener against England by leading Australia to 9-313 from 50 overs against Essex.
Clarke (76) and Hussey (67) revitalised the touring side’s innings with a 127-run fourth wicket stand before wicketkeeper Matthew Wade (47) finished off the job in Chelmsford.
With the exception of George Bailey, Australia’s batsmen enjoyed a decent stint at the crease in fine conditions on a good batting deck.
After opting to bat first, Shane Watson (33) and David Warner (26) handed Australia a flying start with the left-hander putting the ball out of the ground in the fourth over.
The tourists had cruised to 0-51 in the seventh over when Warner was caught in the deep from a skied pull shot off Graham Napier’s medium-pacers.
Teenage paceman Reece Topley (4-46 off eight overs) reduced Australia to 3-79 with Watson (33) caught behind down the leg side and Bailey (12) the victim of a sharp catch at backward point by Greg Smith.
Hussey and Clarke steadied the innings before the skipper retired to allow his teammates a hit.
Hussey departed soon after with Ravi Bopara coming in off the boundary to take a superb diving catch.
Steve Smith (30) played a bright cameo and Wade ensured the total passed the 300-run mark.