Openers Joe Denly and Stephen Moore prospered in the Worcester sunshine putting together a 172-run partnership and making Australia sweat for hours without success before Brett Lee struck with two wickets in two balls.

The England Lions pair were thankful to survive a fiery new-ball burst from Lee, who struck Denly on the shoulder with one bouncer and could have won an early lbw decision against Moore.

But with Lee unable to break through and Mitchell Johnson proving expensive in his first bowl of the tour, runs started to flow. Denly drove Johnson for four, then Moore hit him straight down the ground.

Mitchell, along with the resting Peter Siddle, is certain to play in next week's first Ashes Test. But for both Lee and fellow paceman Stuart Clark to beat the cut, Australia will have to ditch off-spinner Nathan Hauritz.

No one was more expensive than Johnson, who conceded 66 runs in 12 overs. Not that Moore, playing on his home ground, and Kent batsman Denly were complaining as both of them cruised beyond 50.

It was a different story when Lee returned and found reverse swing to bowl Denly for 66 and trap Ian Bell lbw for a first-ball duck to leave the Lions on 172 for two.

Earlier, Steve Harmison gave his chances of an Ashes recall a boost when shining with the ball to take four wickets.

Australia 358 (Hussey 150, Katich 95; Harmison
4-80); England Lions 172-2.