Potchefstroom - Australia's bowlers toiled hard for minimal success on the opening day of their tour of South Africa at Senwes Park here on Friday.
Led by a century by opening batsman Imraan Khan, a South African Board President's XI reached 393 for five at the close of play after being sent in to bat.
The three-day encounter is the only warm-up for the Australians ahead of a three-match Test series against South Africa starting in Johannesburg next Thursday.
The Australians opted to play all the seam bowlers in their party, together with leg-spinner Bryce McGain. They rested key batsmen Michael Clarke, who has a sore back, and Mike Hussey.
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But none of the bowlers made a major impression on a good pitch on a hot day despite the match being downgraded from a clash against South Africa A because many of the host nation's leading players were unavailable. Four of the country's six franchise teams were involved in Twenty20 play-offs.
The left-handed Khan, a boyhood friend and school teammate of Test batsman Hashim Amla, batted fluently to make 100 off 111 balls with 18 fours.
The day started badly for the Australians with Khan and opening partner Blake Snijman both hitting boundaries in the first over, bowled by Doug Bollinger. Then Khan, on nine, was dropped at first slip by Marcus North off Ben Hilfenhaus in the fourth over.
The President's XI maintained a scoring rate in excess of four an over throughout the day with solid contributions through the batting order. Wicketkeeper Heino Kuhn finished the day on 95 not out, sharing an unbeaten 84-run sixth wicket stand with David Wiese (44 not out).
The uncapped McGain, touted as a surprise weapon for the Test series, took two wickets but they came at a cost of 126 runs in only 19 overs. - AFP
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