Led by opener Matthew Hayden [Images], Australia's batsmen made up for their bowling embarrassment by piling on the runs before drawing their two-day game against Essex at Chelmsford on Sunday.

Left-hander Hayden, who has struggled for form in the Ashes series which England [Images] lead 2-1, hammered 150 before the tourists closed on 561 for six in reply to the Essex first innings of 502 for four.

Hayden struck 18 fours and seven sixes in only 118 balls.

A day after Australia's attack were put to the sword by two England under-19 players, Hayden, fellow opener Justin Langer (87), Simon Katich (72), Brad Hodge (166) and Brad Haddin (57) scored freely at just under six runs an over.

The sole disappointment for Australia in their last warm-up game for Thursday's fifth and final Test against England at The Oval was another failure by Adam Gilchrist [Images].

The potentially destructive wicketkeeper-batsman, who has averaged just 22.57 against England compared to his overall Test average of 52.98, was dismissed for eight.

Australia, who must win the fifth Test to retain the Ashes, have yet to name their squad for The Oval.

However, their main strike bowler, Glenn McGrath, has declared himself fit to take part after missing two of the last three Tests with ankle and elbow problems.

McGrath was ruled out of the game against Essex and could only watch as Alastair Cook [Images], with 214, and fellow England under-19 player Ravinder Bopara, with 135, shared a second-wicket stand of 270 on day one.