Opener Alastair Cook hit an unbeaten century for England, who enjoyed a valuable day of batting practice before the third Ashes test in their drawn tour match against Western Australia on Sunday.

Cook, who retired on 106 and Andrew Strauss (88) posted a 183-run stand, while reserve batsman Ed Joyce made a stylish 73 to lead England to 356 for five in response to WA's 322 for eight declared in the two-day contest.

Wicketkeeper Chris Read chipped in with an unbeaten 59 to pile the pressure on Geraint Jones, whose dismal run with the bat continued when he was dismissed for a first-ball duck.

However, England will be encouraged to see a return to form for their opening pair, who were both untroubled by WA's modest pace attack until spinner Aaron Heal broke the partnership when he bowled Strauss attempting a sweep.

Jones, who played as a batsman only, lasted just one ball to put Heal on a hat-trick but Joyce survived and batted with confidence to hit nine boundaries in his 97-ball innings.

Cook brought up his century just before tea and retired at the break so Read could bat. The keeper made the most of his opportunity with two sixes and five boundaries alongside his three catches in the home side's innings.