Essex pummelled Australia's bowling attack on Saturday, piling up 502 for four after winning the toss on the first day of their two-day match at Chelmsford.

Things went from bad to worse as Australia, who are 2-1 down in the Ashes series, made a wretched start to their warm-up game for Thursday's fifth and final Test against England [Images] at The Oval.

Paceman Glenn McGrath, sidelined from the fourth Test with a swollen right elbow, was ruled out against Essex before Alastair Cook [Images], an England under-19 player, amassed 214 off 238 balls.

Ravinder Bopara, another England under-19 player, ended up with 135 after he and Cook shared a second-wicket stand of 270.

However, the match will not hold first-class status because 12 players were nominated for each side, with 11 on the field at any one time.

Essex were at one point scoring at more than five runs an over.

Leg spinner Stuart MacGill, hoping to feature in the fifth Test alongside Shane Warne [Images] after missing the first four matches, failed to press his case and finished wicketless after conceding 128 runs in 24 overs.

McGrath, who also missed the second Test with damaged ankle ligaments, is confident of being passed fit for the final Test.