Australia captain Michael Clarke has smashed an emphatic century less than a week out from the start of the Ashes next week.

The selection picture is no clearer but at least Australia have batsmen in form.

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

Australia declared their second innings at 5-344 after Clarke backed up his first innings 62 with a brilliant 124.

The skipper brought up his ton in 90 balls with 13 fours and two sixes.

The Australians are surging towards victory, with Worcestershire requiring 457 runs to win.

Ed Cowan hinted in a radio interview he’ll bat at No.3 in the first Test.

But he again failed to push on from a start so his place at Trent Bridge is not 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 had seven fours and a six in just 11 balls.

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

Clarke looked in excellent touch on his return from back injury, as if he’d never left the crease.

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