BRISBANE, Nov 4 AAP - England batsmen Michael Vaughan and Mark Butcher gave the tourists reason to smile on the final day of the cricket tour match against Queensland at Allan Border Field today.

At lunch, England was 2-199 in its first innings in reply to Queensland's 582, with Vaughan surviving two dropped catches for 87 not out and Butcher unbeaten on 45.

It was a fluent session for the visitors, who lost only nightwatchman Matthew Hoggard (one) in the first over to a catch behind off Michael Kasprowicz.

Vaughan continued his impressive build-up to Thursday's opening Test at the Gabba, driving and pulling strongly on the flat Brisbane wicket.

But he was lucky to escape on 75 when he clipped paceman Damien MacKenzie to Andrew Symonds at deep backward square leg.

Symonds - regarded as one of the best fielders in Australian cricket - spilled the straight-forward chance.

Vaughan hit 15 fours and one six in his 139-ball stay.

Butcher also looked comfortable against the Queensland attack, giving England some confidence after its bowlers were thrashed by the home team during the first two days.

© 2002 AAP

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