England Lions 166 and 274 for 6 trail Australia A 588 for 8 dec by 148 runs

England's Jacob Bethell staked his claim for an Ashes recall after fighting hard in the clash with Australia A in Brisbane.

As his England team-mates slipped 2-0 down at the Gabba, Bethell crafted 71 in England Lions' second innings at nearby Allan Border Field on Sunday.

Bethell last played a Test in August when England lost a thrilling match at The Oval against India. But with questions surrounding Ollie Pope's future as England's No.3, he will be pushing to be recalled for the third Test at the Adelaide Oval on December 17.

Bethell is averaging 38.71 from his four Tests for England after debuting late last year against New Zealand.

The Lions got to 274 for 6 in their second innings at stumps on day three, still trailing Australia A by 148.

After slumping to 29 for 3, England's second XI recovered through Bethell and fellow rising starAsa Tribe. The pair put on a 169-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Tribe reaching his third first-class century.

Tribe, who has five ODI and 26 T20I caps for Jersey, was able to survive Australia A's dangerous bowling attack featuring Jhye Richardson, Xavier Bartlett, Fergus O'Neill, Beau Webster and Todd Murphy.

Victorian seamer O'Neill was the pick of the bowlers in the second innings, taking 4 for 53 from 17 overs.

Australia A declared at 588 for 8 early on Sunday, after captain Nathan McSweeney's career-best knock of 226 not out.