Aussie bowlers struggle against England Lions

Worcestershire's Stephen Moore blasted a century as a virtually full-strength Australia suffered the embarrassment of bowling 45 overs before taking an England Lions wicket.

Moore's unbeaten 103 guided the Lions to 185 for two at tea on Thursday's second day of four here at New Road - a deficit of 173.

However, Brett Lee, no certainty for a Test spot in next week's Ashes opener in Cardiff, proved his speed and hostility hadn't deserted him by snaring Kent's 23-year-old batsman Joe Denly (66) and Ian Bell in successive balls before the interval.

Bell's first ball duck from a Lee inswinger could end any hopes he had of a last-minute England recall for the first Test at Sophia Gardens.

With only fast bowler Peter Siddle missing from their probable Test side for Cardiff, the tourists' ailing attack allowed Moore and Denly to compile a 172-run opening stand in stifling bowling conditions.

Neither Moore nor Denly are yet in contention for an England place but the pair treated Australia's attack with disdain, piling up the game's biggest partnership.

In front of his home fans, Moore hit 14 fours and two sixes in his unbeaten century, including a six off Australia's premier quick Mitchell Johnson after a lifeline on 41 when he was missed by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Denly's half-century was more circumspect, with seven fours, before he too unleashed, crashing out-of-form Nathan Hauritz over the long-on boundary for six.

Moore subjected the off-spinner to the same treatment and Hauritz must now worry for his Test berth after returning match figures of one for 158 from 38 overs in the drawn tour opener against Sussex at Hove last week.

Lee, who missed Australia's South Africa tour this year following ankle surgery, made an immediate impact on his return to the attack by dismissing Denly with a seaming delivery which hit off-stump.

The 32-year-old New South Wales paceman displayed great strength, reaching speeds of 95mph after lunch and showing no sign of the no ball problems which plagued him against Sussex.

Lee's challenger for the third quick berth, Stuart Clark, had figures of no wickets for 21 runs off 10 overs.

Australia earlier added another 21 to their overnight total, with Michael Hussey reaching 150 before Stephen Harmison (4-80) cleaned up his off-stump with a slower delivery to add to his Wednesday wickets of Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich and Lee.

Test hopeful Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan took three wickets apiece ahead of the Ashes opener which starts on Wednesday.