Frightful day for Aussie bowlers

Australia's bowlers were given a genuine fright as the Guyana Board President's XI almost upset cricket's best team in Georgetown.

The three-day tour match ended in a draw after the President's XI made a stunning assault on an unlikely winning target of 442 at the seaside Everest ground.

They finished at 6-402 from 84 overs in their second innings, as Windies Test squad member Carlton Baugh (115 not out) and Narsingh Deonarine (141 not out) hooked into a near Test-strength attack with a 222-run stand.

It was a satisfying workout for the Australians before Thursday's first Test at the nearby Bourda ground.

Captain Steve Waugh maintained an attacking field through the final session onslaught as Brad Hogg (5-112) and Stuart MacGill (1-126) fought for the spinning role in the opening Test.

The pair were punished by Baugh and Deonarine, who took 18 off one of Hogg's overs before belting 17 from the very next MacGill over.

That left the President's XI chasing 81 for victory from nine overs on a slow wicket but with the assistance of a lightning outfield.

Baugh and Deonarine began defending when the target slipped out of reach.

Hogg had 5-50 at tea in a final bid to unseat the more fancied MacGill for the Test series but the West Australian's figures unravelled after the break.

Waugh will be pleased with the match because Australia had looked on track for a comfortable win when the President's XI limped to 6-180 in their second innings.

The tough final session will help the Australians prepare for the series opener, with the Windies squad arriving in Georgetown.

Earlier, Australia was bowled out for 196 with Martin Love top-scoring with 59 in a reshuffled batting order.