Marsh century steadies Australia

Batsman Shaun Marsh was the standout for Australia on another tough day for the tourists in their only tour match before the first Test next week.

Marsh scored a century on day two of the three-day match against a WICB President's XI in Antigua as the Australians reached 6-205 at stumps in reply to the hosts' 382.

The 31-year-old entered the match under some pressure with 35-year-old Adam Voges hoping to take his spot in the Test team for the clash with the Windies in Dominica from June 3.

The pair shared a handy 116-run third-wicket stand but it was Marsh who will take the spoils after he ended the day unbeaten on 118.

Voges, who became bogged down either side of tea after making his half-century, was trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican for 52. 

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Voges in action on day two // WICB

Marsh plowed on, reaching his 14th first-class ton with a boundary just after the finals drinks break.

"It's always nice to score a few runs in a tour match before a Test series," Marsh said.

"It's nice to get out there, hit a few in the middle and as the innings progressed I felt really good out there."

It wasn't all smooth sailing for Marsh, who had to open with David Warner rested.

Marsh was dropped in the gully on four and survived a bizarre incident later in the day when he lofted Warrican down the ground and a running Marquino Mindley cleanly caught the ball on the boundary rope.

He was unable to stay in the field of play, however, and couldn't regather it after throwing the ball in the air. 

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Marsh's younger brother Mitchell, who had earlier in the day claimed two wickets in as many balls, made eight before he was dismissed, as he pushes for a spot in next week's Test.

Earlier, captain Michael Clarke (15) was caught after mistiming a pull shot from allrounder Carlos Brathwaite who enjoyed a stellar day.

The Windies Test hopeful, who belted an unbeaten 42-ball 50, claimed the wickets of Clarke and Mitchell Marsh as well snaring a sensational catch at gully to dismiss Chris Rogers (2).

Warrican claimed 3-69 off his 26 overs to be the pick of the bowlers for the home team, taking the wickets of Voges, Mitchell Marsh and Brad Haddin (1).

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