Aaron Finch entered the tour match against England fresh from a king pair, but the right-handed opener fought back with a fine half-century at the SCG on Friday.

The Invitational XI were 0-68 at tea on day three, with Finch unbeaten on 52 and Ed Cowan not out 15.

England were earlier bowled out for 418 for their first innings, with their 114-run lead now whittled down to 46.

Joe Root maintained the momentum England’s batsmen are taking into the Ashes series starting next week in Brisbane with a classy 75.

Root became the fourth member of the England top order to pass 50 in the tour match which has been interrupted by rain.

Bowling remains a concern for England ahead of the Gabba, but the batting line-up picks itself.

The top three and Ian Bell all have tons so far on tour, while Kevin Pietersen and Root have half-centuries under their belt.

With wicketkeeper Matt Prior in doubt for Brisbane with a calf strain, England would have been pleased back up glove-man Jonny Bairstow (48) spent some valuable time at the crease after he endured an unhappy series with the bat against Australia in the winter.

Root and Bairstow shared in a 106-run sixth-wicket stand to put England in a strong position to win the final tune-up match, provided the weather holds.

There was a moment of concern for Root in the first session, when he was struck on the right hand by Josh Lalor (2-99) when the Invitational quick took the second new ball.

Trainers came out to tend to Root, but the 23-year-old carried on batting and posted nine fours in his 106-ball knock that came to an end when he was bowled trying to pull a ball that wasn’t there from Nick Bills (3-76).

Root was unlucky to be dropped as an opener, but early signs suggest he could be in for a fruitful summer at No.6.