England have made 328 runs for the loss of seven wickets on day one of their Ashes warm-up match against Essex in Chelmsford.
Graeme Swann topscored for the visitors with an unbeaten knock of 62, while Tim Bresnan will join him at the crease on Monday with a score of 55.
Captain Alastair Cook was dismissed for 18 runs, but opening partner Joe Root went on to make 41.
Kevin Pietersen marked his return from injury with 49 runs before he was sent back to the pavilion.
Jonathan Trott (32), Ian Bell (13), Jonny Bairstow (23) and Matt Prior (20) completed the England batting lineup.
Tom Craddock took three wickets for Essex, while Tymal Mills and Sajid Mahmood ended with two apiece.
