Ryan Carters and skipper Peter Nevill restored the Cricket Australia Invitational XI's innings on Wednesday after Stuart Broad claimed three wickets for England in their final tour match before the Ashes.
At tea on the opening day the home side were 157 for five after being sent in to bat at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Carters was unbeaten on 33, with Nevill not out 32.
Broad, who along with James Anderson will lead the English attack in next week's Ashes opener in Brisbane, was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 17 runs off 12 overs.
England paceman Steven Finn removed former Australia Test opener Ed Cowan for 51 shortly after lunch and Broad had Ben Rohrer caught by Michael Carberry for 19 in the only wickets to fall in the middle session.
Broad devastated Australia in the fourth Test of the July-August Ashes series in Durham, and once again looks dangerous.
With spearhead Anderson rested, Broad took the new ball and bowled with good speed and bounce.
Earlier, Broad had Aaron Finch caught behind for four and trapped Callum Ferguson leg before wicket for eight to leave the invitational side at 27 for two in 11 overs.
Finn had Kurtis Patterson well caught at first slip by skipper Alastair Cook for five to leave the home side 37 for three.
Cook won the toss and chose to bowl first, deciding that his bowlers were most in need of a workout after limited time on the field so far on tour because of poor weather.
Kevin Pietersen was included in the England team after having a cortisone injection for a troublesome knee, while Ian Bell returned to the batting line-up.
Wicketkeeper Matt Prior was left out for Jonny Bairstow as he receives treatment for a calf strain.
The five-Test Ashes series begins on November 21 in Brisbane.
