Maher hits century for Aussies

Jimmy Maher blasted a century in his maiden first-class innings for Australia as the tourists took control of the three-day tour match against the University of West Indies XI in Barbados.

Maher, also playing as a makeshift wicketkeeper, hit 142 from 187 deliveries in a double-century stand with Justin Langer (96) which ensured Australia was the only team with a realistic chance of winning at the seaside ground at Cave Hill.

At stumps on the second day, the University XI was 2-32 in its second innings - trailing Australia by 36 runs after captain Steve Waugh declared at 6-358 in the first innings.

Maher continued his impressive match after taking two catches and making one stumping on Saturday while top 'keeper Adam Gilchrist rested ahead of Thursday's third Test against the West Indies at nearby Kensington Oval.

The 29-year-old Queenslander belted 21 fours and one six, hitting out on the lush surface before he was caught off the bowling of invited Kenyan spinner Collins Obuya.

Langer's knock was encouraging ahead of the third Test, although the West Australian has been dogged by controversial LBW decisions this tour.

He was within sight of his second century of the month before given out LBW to Ricardo Powell (2-66) after batting for almost four hours.

Waugh received valuable time in the middle after not batting during the second Test victory in Trinidad last week.

The 37-year-old made a solid 46 in 95 minutes while Martin Love (10) and Michael Clarke (eight) failed against the enthusiastic University attack led by former Test quick Corey Collymore (2-54).

The University XI made a disastrous start to its second innings later in the day when recalled Test batsman Chris Gayle was run out without scoring.

Brad Williams (1-7) then bowled Jason Haynes (two) to complete a satisfying day for the Australians.

The Australians would hope to race through the University batting line-up to restrict their time in the sticky conditions ahead of the Test.