England have set Australia a challenging target of 173 to win their World Twenty20 warm-up match at Nondescripts Cricket Club ground in Colombo.

After being invited to bat in steamy conditions, Alex Hales (52) and Luke Wright (35) shared a second-wicket partnership of 88 in England’s 6-172.

Spinner Brad Hogg and paceman Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets each, although Australia struggled for accuracy and conceded 14 wides.

Left-armer Starc (2-32) removed Craig Kieswetter caught at mid-off for eight.

Hales was dropped at gully on 21 and Matthew Wade missed a stumping opportunity off Hogg’s bowling with Hales on 34.

Hogg (2-39) had Wright caught at fine leg by Cameron White at 2-103 but only after conceding two fours and a six earlier in the 13th over.

The left-arm wrist-spinner struck again two overs later when 23-year-old Hales popped a catch to mid-wicket after striking seven fours in his 38-ball 52.

White held another fine catch at cover to dismiss Jos Buttler (five) and Eoin Morgan smashed 30 off 16 balls before falling in the 19th over.

Jonny Bairstow was run out for 18 in the final over.

Australia left out middle-order batsman David Hussey which suggests the 35-year-old may be out of favour for Wednesday’s Group B clash with Ireland.

The non-selection of the limited-overs specialist, the world’s most successful T20 batsman, comes after the Victoria veteran was handed a national contract in June despite the annual list being pruned from 25 to 17.

David Hussey’s omission seems a victory for Dan Christian who’s set to play alongside fellow allrounder Glenn Maxwell.

In-form quick Pat Cummins was rested after taking two wickets on Saturday against New Zealand, giving Clint McKay another opportunity to impress selector-on-duty Andy Bichel.

McKay took 0-33 while Christian and Maxwell combined for 0-28 from four overs.