Sydney: In a final warm up ahead of next week's first Ashes, England won the toss and elected to bowl in the four-day match against an Invitational XI on Wednesday.
Batsman Kevin Pietersen, who has faced only 10 deliveries so far on tour, was passed fit to play after receiving a cortisone injection in his injured right knee Sunday.
Rain hampered England's preparation for the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground but play began on Wednesday in relatively fine weather.
The Invitational XI was weakened by the late withdrawals of batsman Adam Voges with a back injury and spinner Steve O'Keefe, who was called up by the New South Wales team.
England wicketkeeper Matt Prior was ruled out of the match with a calf strain.
