Sydney: Joe Root scored 75 runs to become the fourth England batsman to pass 50 in its tour match against a Cricket Australia Invitational XI at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Root shared in a sixth-wicket partnership of 106 with backup wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow (48) as England scored 418 runs in reply to the Invitational side's 304, giving the visitors a lead of 114 on the third day Friday.
Root was hit on the right hand by a delivery and was treated by the team's medical staff.
Jonathan Trott led England with 83 runs while Alastair Cook added 81 and Kevin Pietersen 57. Legspinner James Muirhead took four wickets for the Invitational side.
The first Ashes test begins next Thursday at Brisbane.
