Watson smashes another ton in tour match..game ends in draw

Opener Shane Watson (104no) made a second century of the match to follow his first innings 115,

Shane Watson smashed his second century of the match as Australia drew with the Indian Board President's XI in Chandigarh on Monday.

Watson plundered an unbeaten 104 off 121 deliveries, including 18 boundaries, as Australia ended their preparations ahead of Friday's first Test against India.

Ben Hilfenhaus (5-47) picked up two wickets, while Nathan Hauritz removed

When the locals batted a second time, Test opener Gautam Gambhir was conspicuous by his absence, and Ben Hilfenhaus struck a blow to the jaw of Shikhar Dhawan and forced him to retire hurt

Score Detail.. Australians vs indian Board President's XI

Australians 505 for 8 dec. (Watson 115, Katich 104 retd*, North 124 retd*) and 187 for 6 dec. (Watson 104*, Chawla 3-64) drew with Board President's XI 177 (Chawla 82, Hilfenhaus 5-47) and 174 for 0 (Rahane 113*, Pujara 52*)

The first Test between India and Australia begins on Friday.

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.