Brathwaite, Warrican impress for President's XI

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Shaun Marsh struck a timely century to press his claim for a spot in the first Test against West Indies next week, but all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite smashed a cameo, unbeaten half-century and grabbed two wickets to inspire the West Indies President's XI on the second day of their three-day game here yesterday.

Left-hander Marsh finished the day on 118 not out as Australia closed on 205 for six in their first innings.

Adam Voges struck 52 in a 116-run, third-wicket partnership with Marsh, which pulled the tourists out of difficulty at 25 for two.

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was the main destroyer with three for 69 while Brathwaite collected two for 28 from his 14 overs - including the scalp of captain Michael Clarke for 15.

Earlier, Brathwaite had blasted exactly 50 not out off a mere 42 balls to help fire the President's XI up to 382 all out after resuming the day on 288 for five at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

The right-hander, on the fringe of Test selection, hammered three fours and five sixes and put on a rousing 58 for the last wicket with Miguel Cummins, who made just six.

Roston Chase converted his overnight 65 into 76 while Jason Mohammed, who started the day on 42, made 55.

stretched sixth-wicket stand

They stretched their sixth-wicket stand to 117 before being separated in the 10th over of the morning, when Chase missed a full-length outswinger from seamer Peter Siddle and was bowled at 314 for six.

Seamers Josh Hazlewood (2-36), Mitchell Marsh (2-40), Peter Siddle (2-64), along with leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed (2-113) all finished with two wickets apiece.