Three years ago Michael Carberry came close to dying, now he is one of the favourites to open the England batting when the Ashes get underway in two weeks time.

The Croydon-born 33-year-old hit 153 not out in England’s second warm-up tour match against an Australia A side on Wednesday – and only the rain prevented him from adding to his tally on a wash-out day two.

Left-hander Carberry hit 78 in the first warm up match in Perth in an opening stand of 100 with Joe Root, in at number two in place of skipper Alistair Cook.

This time round, with Cook by his side, the pair batted through the first day to end on 318 without loss.

It completes a remarkable turnaround in Carberry’s fortunes after he almost quit the game – and even trained as an electrician fearing his cricketing days were over – after being treated for blood clots on his lung and shortness of breath.

Carberry, who appeared twice for Spencer CC in Surrey County Championship last season, hitting 241 runs and taking eight wickets, said: “It does give your cricket perspective when you're close to losing your life.

“It's been a tough couple of years, but thankfully strength of mind is a big thing. I've a very supportive family back home and they helped me through it.

"I'm glad to be back. Cricket's a different battle, let's put it that way."

On his chances of opening with Cook when England begin the defence of the urn at the Brisbane Gabba on November 21, Carberry is playing it cool.

"I didn't come here with any major expectations. I just try to take it from game to game," he said.

"If I bat well when I get the chance, I give myself every possible chance to play, but I'm not trying to look too far ahead.

"The Gabba's still a couple of weeks away, so there's no point in worrying whether I'll be selected or where I'll be batting."