North too hits ton

Australia's Marcus North follows through on a cut on the second day of the three-day practice match against Indian Board President's XI in Chandigarh yesterday.Photo: AFP

Australia's Marcus North hit form with a fine century in a three-day practice match against an Indian side in Chandigarh on Sunday.
North, who has scored just one century in his last 10 Tests, hit 124 off 128 balls as the tourists posted 505 in their first innings on the second day of the tie against Board President's XI.
At stumps, the hosts were tottering at 143-6 with tail-ender Piyush Chawla on 64 not out.
North, 31, hit 19 fours and two sixes in his entertaining knock before retiring.
Tim Paine, who chipped in with a patient 45, was dismissed by paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, seeking to make a comeback after an injury layoff.
Fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus struck quick blows when he removed captain Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane in the same over.
Australia will play two Tests, in Mohali (October 1-5) and Bangalore (October 9-13), and three one-day internationals in Kochi (October 17), Visakhapatnam (October 20) and Goa (October 24).

SCORES IN BRIEF
AUSTRALIA: First innings 505 all out (Watson 115, Katich 104 retired, North 124 retired; Ojha 3-67)
INDIAN BOARD PRESIDENT'S XI: First innings 143-6 (Chawla 64 not out; Hilfenhaus 3-28)