Moeen Ali launched his comeback from injury by bowling 16 overs on the opening day of England’s final warm-up match ahead of the Ashes against a Cricket Australia X1 in Townsville.
The Worcestershire all-rounder had missed the opening two games Down Under because of a side strain suffered in Perth.
But the 30-year-old was able to get through three economical spells after Cricket Australia captain Matthew Short had elected to bat in the four-day fixture.
Moeen came into the attack as early as the 10th over and bowled an initial eight over stint for 19 runs.
He returned for a five over burst costing 10 runs after 50 overs and a further three overs in the final session.
Moeen ended the day with figures of 16-4-39-0 as Cricket Australia ended on 249-9 from 90 overs.
Warwickshire paceman Chris Woakes did the damage for England with figures of 18-3-54-6.
He took the new ball in the absence of James Anderson through illness although England’s record wicket-taker was able to bowl in the nets.
Cricket Australia openers Nick Larkin (30) and Jake Carder (39) put in 66 while skipper Short made 51.
