Australian openers do damage in Worcester

Full Scorecard

After 62 overs on day one, Australians were 2-248 at tea of their final tune-up match before the Ashes start at Trent Bridge next week on July 10.

Returning Watson to his preferred position at the top of the order has proven a masterstroke, with the powerful opener smashing 90 last week against Somerset and bringing up his century before lunch off just 94 balls in Worcester.

Watson was ultimately out for 109 and his new opening partner Chris Rogers, later fell for 75, making for an ideal start for Australia's brand new opening pair.

Things have slowed down since the two wickets fell, with Ed Cowan 33no from 84 balls batting in the unfamiliar position at No.3 and captain Michael Clarke 26no from 50.

With Watson and Rogers at the crease, Australia were going at nearly five an over.

But Cowan and Clarke have been bogged down at just 2.43.

In another bruising display by Watson, he hammered 14 fours and two sixes.

It was the first time Watson has produced a triple figure score in first-class cricket in nearly three years.

The last was his second Test century, against India in Mohali back in October 2010.

He has an unfortunate record in Tests of failing to kick on from 50 to one hundred and did the same last week in Somerset when he was out for 90 after smashing 20 boundaries.

The last time Watson opened in Test cricket was in November 2011 in South Africa, with injuries paving the way for Ed Cowan and Dave Warner to come in at the top of the order.

When he has been on the park, Watson hasn't felt comfortable in his various roles at No.3 and 4 and has averaged just 26.46 in that period.