PERTH:

Time in the middle and keeping their fast bowling unit injury-free topped England's agenda as they wrapped up their only pre-Ashes practice match on Saturday against a second-string England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth's north-east.

The result being of no importance, a sporting Lions declaration on the final day of the three-day warm-up gave England's first-choice batsmen just over two hours to chase 202, which they achieved with five wickets remaining.

"The guys have all had a good three days out here," said paceman Brydon Carse, who landed three wickets after recovering from a 24-hour bug.

"The group of seamers have all got a decent amount of overs in and some of the batters have spent some time at the crease. Everyone is raring to go."

Number three batsman Ollie Pope backed

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