Australia's Marcus North made a timely return to form with a fine century in a three-day practice match against the Indian Board President's XI in Chandigarh on day two

Marcus North clocked some much-needed time in the middle as Australia took a 362-run lead in their tour match in Chandigarh.

The out-of-form batsman notched an unbeaten 124 against the Indian Board President's XI, with the tourists reaching 505 all out before the Australian pace attack combined to leave the home side reeling at 143-6 in reply

Ben Hilfenhaus (3-28), Peter George (2-15) and Mitchell Johnson (1-20) then bared their teeth with the ball to reduce the local team to 6-143 by the close.

In contrast, Nathan Hauritz (0-46 in nine overs) and Steve Smith (0-20 in two) were given some indication of the difficulties they will face against batsmen seasoned on spin.