Kevin Pietersen gave his dodgy knee the work-out it needed on Thursday, making a casual half-century for England a week out from his 100th Test in Brisbane.
Jonathan Trott (83) and Alastair Cook (81) also spent valuable time in the middle, as England’s top order continued to fine-tune preparations for the first Test at the Gabba by reaching 5-302 at stumps on day two of their tour match against an Invitational XI in Sydney.
Joe Root is 26 not out and Jonny Bairstow unbeaten on 11.
England trail by just two runs on the first innings after Steven Finn earlier staked his claim for the first Test fast bowling vacancy for Brisbane, finishing with 5-103 to help roll the home side for 304 midway through the first session.
Pietersen looked scratchy early in his innings as he nicked a couple short and wide of the slips and hesitated on occasions when running between wickets with partner Cook.
But after receiving a cortisone injection in his knee on Sunday, the important thing was Pietersen appeared physically unencumbered during his 93-minute stay at the crease.
The 32-year-old’s performance was even more significant given he hadn’t spent any decent time in the middle since early September.
Pietersen smashed seven fours and two sixes for his 57 from 71 balls, and almost seemed as if he was trying to get out when he skied legspinner James Muirhead (2-97) into the outfield.
In previous overs, Pietersen had attempted some highly ambitious reverse sweeps, perhaps indicating there was nothing further to be gained from staying out on his knee against a second-string attack.
Pietersen has admitted his ongoing knee condition is such that he may not see out the series, however he appears in no doubt for the opener in Brisbane.
Trott and Cook have both already posted first-class hundreds on tour, and the pair looked on track to do it again as they piled on an effortless 143-run stand after opener Michael Carberry (4) had made a meek exit.
But after slotting 14 to the fence, Trott nicked one behind to give Josh Lalor (2-82) a second wicket, and keeper Peter Nevill a second diving catch.
Cook departed a short time later, prodding at Nicholas Bills outside off-stump.
Ian Bell has proven almost indestructible in 2013, but interestingly, the England run-machine continues to struggle against leg-spin.
Part-time Australian leggie Steve Smith got Bell’s wicket twice at Lord’s and on Thursday it was Muirhead who had him edging to Ben Rohrer at slip.
England are searching for a third seamer to partner James Anderson and Stuart Broad at the Gabba, and Finn’s improvement on day two may edge him ahead of favourite Chris Tremlett.
The Invitational XI lost 5-33 after resuming at 5-271, with Ryan Carters out first ball of the day for 94 and Nevill out for 83.
