Kevin Pietersen topped the bill, among England's wall-to-wall run-makers, with a comeback century against a modest Haryana attack at the Sardar Patel Stadium B Ground.

Former Hampshire star Pietersen (110 retired out), Alastair Cook (97), Nick Compton (74) and Ian Bell all passed 50 as England took advantage of favourable circumstances to rack up more than 400 on day one of their final warm-up match.

As preparation for the four-Test series against India to come, the benefit of such easy pickings was questionable.

But there was no doubt that a confidence boost for both Pietersen and new Test opener in waiting Compton were especially encouraging outcomes.

After Compton and Cook had set the stage, Pietersen was increasingly dominant in only his second England innings since his well-chronicled summer of discontent and subsequent reintegration.

His century from only 86 balls contained 14 fours and three sixes and should help to continue what has been a smooth return so far after his contract wrangles and other troubles.