Michael Carberry Hits England Century Ahead Of First Ashes Test (PICTURES)

Michael Carberry struck a century, and a blow to Jonny Bairstow's hopes of an Ashes berth, on the first day of England's four-day game with Australia A in Hobart.

Carberry opened with captain Alastair Cook as Joe Root - opener during the summer series - dropped back into the middle order, and the Hampshire batsman made 153 as part of an unbeaten first-wicket stand of 318.

With the first Ashes Test in Brisbane just 15 days away, the Hampshire man would now appear set to open at the Gabba and he is happy to have proven himself.

Carberry is congratulated on his century by Cook

"It was a really nice moment; to be here in the first place and then cap it off with a hundred in my second game back, it's beyond my wildest dreams," he told Sky Sports News.

"I'm very pleased and I hope it's the start of things to come."

Carberry was viewed by some as a surprise inclusion on the plane to Australia but it now appears as though he could be a permanent fixture in the side.

That would likely mean the omission of Bairstow, who averaged just 29 batting at six in the summer.

"There is still another game to go and I still don't know what the management are thinking," Carberry added of his selection chances.

"I try to keep the tour very game-based. If I bat well then I give myself every chance.

"I don't think anyone is nailed on (to play). I didn't come here thinking I was a reserve, I came to play and at the stage of my career I am at, I think that is right."