Aussie-born Crook steals the show

Australia's wretched Ashes tour continues, with Steven Crook belting their attack all over Northampton county ground.

The three-day clash was supposed to be the tourists' tune-up for the fifth Test, which starts at the Oval on Thursday.

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Instead day one was washed out and day two was dominated by Northamptonshire, the locals scoring freely and quickly to compile a total of 396.

Peter Siddle limped off in the afternoon session, while David Warner's dismissal ended a poor day for the visitors.

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David Warner trudges off after being dismissed // Getty Images

Australia were 1-13 at stumps.

Adelaide-born Crook posted his highest first-class score of 142no off 96 balls, while Scotland's Kyle Coetzer fell 14 runs short of a century after Steve Smith sent the hosts in.

"Credit where credit is due," Nathan Lyon said.

"Crook played an unbelievable innings.

"We probably didn't bowl our best and in these games the batters tend to play with a lot more freedom and no fear.

"They took their chances and he hit them pretty well."

Lyon and Pat Cummins each picked up three wickets, while Mitch Marsh finished with 4-56 from 14 overs.

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Mitch Marsh successfuly appeals for lbw // Getty Images

Crook teed off with style and success.

He moved past 50 by hammering 18 runs off Lyon's 16th over.

The right-hander then reached three figures by helping himself to 18 runs from Marsh's 13th over.

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Steven Crook in full flight at Northants // Getty Images

The 32-year-old left Adelaide in 2002, having spent time at Cricket Australia's academy alongside Shaun Marsh, Shaun Tait, Mark Cosgrove, Cameron White, Xavier Doherty and George Bailey.

"We had quite a good crop of players," Crook said.

"It's interesting to see how those guys have developed and gone on to play all over the world.

"They've got a good team, a good attack ... I really enjoyed it."

Crook was left stranded when Cummins trapped Richard Gleeson lbw.

Cummins also dismissed Maurice Chambers and George Munsey to clean up the tail, while he struck Ben Sanderson on the helmet in a fiery afternoon spell.

"He hit the deck hard and showed his capabilities," Lyon said.

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Ben Sanderson struck by a ferocious Cummins delivery // Getty Images

Coach Darren Lehmann admitted last week it was a mistake to leave Mitch Marsh out of the side that lost by an innings and 78 runs at Trent Bridge.

Australia relinquished the urn with that defeat, England having taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-Test series.

Saturday was a salient reminder of Marsh's value.

Siddle and Cummins were both keen to push for a Test recall after being handed the new ball in the absence of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Instead Marsh was responsible for the initial breakthrough in the 24th over, trapping Ben Duckett lbw with his first ball.

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The 23-year-old was on a hat-trick in the middle session, when he removed Rob Keogh and captain Josh Cobb.

Smith later entrusted Marsh with the second new ball, a decision backed up with the scalp of Sanderson.

The day had a sense of emptiness but Lyon insisted his team were up for it.

"You're wearing the Baggy Green," he said.

"We need to get something out of this tour game."