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Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance insists that if he is chosen to play for England in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide next week he will be ready.
Ballance scored 55 for the tourists as they declared on 212-7 on the first day of their warm-up match against a Cricket Australia Chairman's XI in Alice Springs. Their hosts reached the close on 16-0 when they responded.
However, several of England's stars once again struggled, with Matt Prior dismissed for just 19, while Michael Carberry made only six and Ian Bell was dismissed for 13.
England, who were thrashed by 381 runs by Australia in Brisbane in the first Test, have since lost Jonathan Trott, who has returned home with a stress-related illness, so Ballance may be added to the team for the Adelaide five-dayer.
The 24-year-old said after being England's top scorer: "After a few low scores, you take a bit of time to get used to the situation. But once I'd batted for a few overs I felt comfortable, and it was just like any other innings.
"It would have been nice to push on and get a hundred, but I've given myself a bit of confidence so, if I get the chance, then I'll be ready.
"It would be a great feeling [to play in Adelaide] but I don't want to look too far ahead. If selected, I think I'll be ready. The boys are working really hard, and we're going to be ready for Adelaide."
Meanwhile, Tim Bresnan could also come into the England team for the second Test after continuing to impress with the ball for the England Performance Programme team who hung on for a draw against Queensland Second XI in Brisbane.
England are11/4to win the second Test, while Australia can be backed at8/5totriumph in Adelaide and take a 2-0 lead in the series. The draw is available at15/8.
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