England hopeful James Taylor has shown Australia how to bat 'ugly' in the tour match at Sussex, bringing up a century that was nearly six hours in the making.
Australia contributed to Taylor finishing 121 not out by dropping him twice as the home side moved to 7(dec)-368, to take a 2-run first innings lead.
But even though it wasn't pretty, the diminutive batsman survived at the crease.
After their batting collapses at Trent Bridge and Lord's, the Australian top order could take a thing or two from Taylor's patience and determination.
Under the rules of the three-day game, Sussex had to declare after 100 overs, which they did shortly after lunch.
Taylor was included in a 14-man England squad, and celebrated with a century that was brought up with a cover-drive off Nathan Lyon for four.
The match is destined for a draw, with the ideal batting conditions and the two hours lost to rain on day two making it impossible for a result.
Australia's batsmen will use the rest of day three to spend valuable time in the middle.
It's been a largely frustrating exercise for the Australian bowlers trying to nail down a position for the third Test at Old Trafford starting next week.
None of them have been able to truly impose themselves on the match.
Lyon, Ashton Agar and James Faulkner have one scalp each and Mitchell Starc and Jackson Bird two apiece.
Bird was the pick of the bowlers on day two, finishing the day with 2-33 from 14 overs.
However, the 26-year-old struggled to back it up on day three, blowing out to 2-62 from 20 overs.
Starc took the only wicket of day three, bowling Chris Jordan for 47.
The 23-year-old has been wayward at times but has figures of 2-43.
Lyon should have had Taylor caught on 90 when he skied one to deep mid-on.
The ball hung in the air for an eternity, but it was too much time for Agar, who got under it but couldn't handle.
Lyon bowled decently and finally got some reward when he trapped Callum Jackson in front for 26 for figures of 1-99.
He's outbowled 19-year-old Agar so far, and will put pressure on to take his spot at Old Trafford.
Coach Darren Lehmann would be disappointed by some sloppy fielding.
Along with Agar's drop, Steve Smith has put down three chances at slip.
West Australian youngster Ashton Turner was given four overs at the death in his first-class debut.
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