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Steven Finn and Jonathan Trott starred on the second day of the warm-up match against an Australia Invitational XI as England moved on to 302-5 by the close of play.
Finn finished with figures of 5-103 as England's hosts, who had closed the first day on 271-5, slumped to 304 all out, before Trott made 83 off only 105 balls.
Alastair Cook (81) and Kevin Pietersen (57) also impressed as England moved to within two runs of the Invitational XI's total by theclose of play on Thursday.
Ian Bell also looked in good touch as he made 35, but Michael Carberry wasted his opportunity to cement his place at the top of the order when he was dismissed for just four.
England can now be backed at5/1to win the game, with the draw1/8, while the Invitational XI are14/1to secure a victory.
Trott was keen to highlight the positives from the day's play, just a week before the Ashes series is scheduled to start on 21st January, saying: "After missing out in Hobart it was important for me to get my head down and get some runs.
"Alastair and myself got through the tricky part where the ball was doing a little bit and managed to get a good partnership going. That was nice and gives us confidence going into the first Test.
"Kev came in and was really attacking and he played the way he can. It was really pleasing to see him in good form along with Belly, who looks in good touch as well."
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