North's timely ton helps Warriors secure draw

Western Australia 295 and 6 for 311 (North 101, S Marsh 89, George 4-64) drew with South Australia 8 for 452 dec
Scorecard

Marcus North made a timely century in the lead-up to the Ashes but Michael Hussey failed again, as Western Australia salvaged a draw with South Australia. The Redbacks started the morning needing ten wickets to achieve an innings victory but despite a strong collection from Peter George, they were held off well by North and Shaun Marsh.

The Warriors finished the match at 6 for 311, with Adam Voges unbeaten on 44 and Luke Ronchi on 23, as the hosts could not find a way into the tail. George ended up with 4 for 64 in his first match back at first-class level after his Test debut in Bangalore, and his victims included the struggling Hussey.

After his golden duck in the first innings, Hussey was keen for a strong performance to silence his critics, but he fell for 3 when an inside edge onto his pad was snapped up in close by James Smith. The pressure was then on North, who had also failed in the first innings, and he was lucky to survive a very close lbw shout from George before he had scored.

North made full use of the good fortune and combined with Marsh for a 163-run stand that left South Australia needing a string of quick wickets to achieve their goal. Marsh was eventually dismissed for 89, which continued an excellent match for him after he top scored in the first innings with 137.

North departed for 101, but there was enough batting behind him for the Warriors to hold on. He will remain with Western Australia over the next few weeks in the lead-up to the first Ashes Test, while Hussey will fly to Melbourne for Wednesday's first ODI against Sri Lanka.