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Marcus Harris and Joe Burns have pushed their individual Ashes claims, combining for a double-century opening stand for Australia A against Sussex.

Marcus Harris and Joe Burns have combined for an unbeaten double-century opening stand for Australia A as the pair battle it out for an Ashes spot.

The two incumbents from Australia's last Test series at home, Burns and Harris are in stiff opposition in the bid to partner David Warner on August 1.

But they combined brilliantly on Monday, as they took Australia A to 0-203 at stumps on day two against Sussex, in reply to the hosts' 263.

Harris scored an unbeaten 100 at the end of the day, while Burns will resume alongside him on 88 against an attack missing Sussex's front-liners.

"(Sending a message to selectors) is what these games are for," Harris said.

"There are obviously a few spots up for grabs and a few of us are vying for them."

The Victorian is favoured to marginally win the duel, but Burns scored a century in his last Test appearance against Sri Lanka.

There could also be room for both of them at the top of the order at Edgbaston if Usman Khawaja fails to recover from a hamstring injury.

Warner is also no certainty to return, but it would appear unlikely Australia could deny him the chance to be picked given his stellar World Cup.

Regardless, Harris said there were no weird feelings in the middle.

"All you can do is we know we have three games now, and however you go in the next three games can put you in a good place," Harris said.

"If you're too worried about what other people are doing you can't make a run."

While the Victorian reached three figures, Burns' knock at Arundel is equally impressive given his chaotic week.

He was only given clearance to return from chronic fatigue last week and boarded a plane to England on Wednesday.

He was not expected to play the tour match against Sussex just days after landing, but was called into the side when Mitch Marsh and Matthew Wade had to join Australia's World Cup camp.

He has, however, made the most of his opportunity, with another red-ball match to follow before the virtual four-day trial between Australia and Australia A on July 23.

Earlier, quick James Pattinson finished with figures of 4-60, while finger spinner Jon Holland helped run through the tail with 3-49.