Ashes 2013: Australia's Shane Watson hits century at Worcester

Shane Watson struck a 94-ball century against Worcestershire in Australia's final warm-up match before the Ashes.

He shared a stand of 170 for the first wicket with Chris Rogers at New Road, with the pair set to open in the first Test against England on 10 July.

Watson was eventually dismissed after lunch for 109 by spinner Moeen Ali, while Rogers made 75.

Michael Clarke (62) and Ed Cowan (58) also hit half-centuries as Australia reached 340-4 at the close of play.

Watson has only recently been restored to the top of the order by new coach Darren Lehmann, having last opened against South Africa in November 2011.

The all-rounder, 32, took advantage of Michael Clarke's decision to bat after the Australia captain won the toss.

Watson punched the first ball of the day for four and added 13 more boundaries as he hit to all parts of the ground.

There were also two sixes from Watson as he completed a first-class hundred for the first time since Australia's Test against India in October 2010, and built on his 90 in the recent six-wicket win over Somerset.

Worcestershire's bowling attack, who were without leading wicket-taker Alan Richardson, eventually broke Australia's resistance when Watson chipped an Ali off-break to Jack Shantry in the deep.

Rogers, in line to play his first Test match in more than five years at Trent Bridge next week, made a more circumspect 75 before he departed when caught by Alexei Kervezee off the bowling of Shantry.

Clarke and Cowan were both run out, but the tourists remain in a strong position in their four-day match and will resume on Wednesday with Steven Smith unbeaten on 21 and Phil Hughes on 10 not out.

Match scorecard