BRISBANE, Nov 2 AAP - Experienced Queensland batsmen Stuart Law and Martin Love posted half-centuries as the Bulls made England toil on the first day of the three-day tour match at Allan Border Field.

At tea, the Bulls were 3-217 with Love unbeaten on 66 and a cautious Andrew Symonds on five.

Law was the only man out in the middle session, nudging a return catch to Andrew Flintoff (1-44) after a well-made 68 in a partnership of 128 with Love.

Law and Love looked confident at the crease against the attack which England seems certain to take into the first Test at the Gabba on Thursday.

Andrew Caddick (2-45) took two wickets in the first session during an encouraging opening spell but the tourists have struggled for breakthroughs.

Simon Jones (0-46) has bowled too short at times despite bothering the Bulls with some dangerous deliveries outside off-stump.

Flintoff had bowled 11 overs in a confident sign he had recovered from a double hernia operation in time for the Test.

Englishman Mark Butcher provided a worrying moment when he slammed into the fence when stopping a shot from Law reaching the boundary.

Butcher appeared to be hurt but seconds later he ran back to his fielding position.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.