Chris Rogers and Shaun Marsh gave Australian selectors a welcome dilemma as they were in the runs on day one of their first Ashes tour match against Kent at Canterbury.
With opener David Warner rested, coach Darren Lehmann seemingly taking no risks with the 28-year-old ahead of the first Test with England next month, Rogers and Marsh staked their claim on Thursday to get the nod alongside him at Sophia Gardens for the start of the Ashes series.
The pair put on a stand of 181 before Rogers (84) was trapped lbw by Matt Hunn (3-78).
For Rogers, the four-day match offered a welcome opportunity to move on from the controversy he created earlier this week when it emerged his company had mistakenly attempted to sell hospitality packages for the upcoming Ashes Test at Lord's.
Marsh, meanwhile, went on to reach 114 off 196 deliveries, a knock that included 14 fours, as Australia finished at stumps on 348-3, with the game briefly delayed by a bizarre incident that saw a streaker run onto the outfield and unfurl a pop-up tent.
In-form Steve Smith (71 not out) and captain Michael Clarke (56 from 73 balls) also wasted little time showcasing their quality back on English soil.
Shane Watson (8 not out) was out in the middle alongside Smith at the end of play.
"It was nice to get a hundred and bat a bit of time," said Marsh. "I haven't had a lot of red ball cricket over here, so it was nice to get through that first session and build an innings.
"It was nice batting out there with Chris today. I thought we worked really well together and kept each other going.
"I thought he batted really well, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens over the next couple of weeks. I haven't really thought too much about selections and all that sort of stuff."