Australian batsman Simon Katich and fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Shaun Tait warmed up for the fourth Ashes Test with sparkling performances against English county Northamptonshire on Sunday.

Katich, who has scored just 49 runs in his last four innings against England [Images], struck a fluent 63 to help the tourists pile up a brisk 226 for two in their second innings before the two-day match was drawn.

Test regulars Justin Langer, unbeaten on 86, and Damien Martyn, with 43 not out, shared in an unbroken stand of 114 for the third wicket.

Earlier, McGrath took three for 24 and Tait, widely expected to replace the out-of-form Jason Gillespie in the fourth test against England, claimed two for 52 as Northamptonshire folded for 169 in their first innings reply.

Tait, who generated express pace in a hostile opening spell, forced Northamptonshire opener Tim Roberts to retire hurt on 18 after striking the batsman above his left eye with a short-pitched delivery.

Australia, lifted by centuries from Matthew Hayden [Images] (136) and Michael Clarke [Images] (121), had totalled 374 for six declared on the opening day.

Australia left out Gillespie, who now appears unlikely to feature in the fourth Test against England in Nottingham, starting on Thursday.

Michael Kasprowicz, who took one for 43 against Northamptonshire, and Tait appear to be vying for Gillespie's place at Trent Bridge.

The five-match Ashes series is level at 1-1.