POTCHEFSTROOM (AFP)
Opening bowler Glenn McGrath produced an outstanding performance as the touring Australians completed an impressive warm-up for the Test series against South Africa.

McGrath took 5 for 17 in 15 immaculate overs as Australia drew their rain-hit three-day match against South Africa A at the North West Stadium. Only left-handed batsman Ashwell Prince, who made 92, shone for the South African second string, who were bowled out for 190 in reply to Australias 366 for 8.

Australia declared in the third over of the day after skipper Steve Waugh reached his 67th first-class century. He started the day on 91. Waugh was off the field for most of the afternoon with a sore back after waking up feeling stiff Tuesday morning. His absence was said to be a precaution only.

With almost a full day's play lost because of rain and bad light, there was no realistic chance of a result but the Australians were clearly superior to their opponents, in the only warm-up match before the first Test starts at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Friday.

Australia could have forced South Africa A to follow on but with less than two hours of play remaining they opted to bat out time, scoring 95 for 3 before play was called off.

McGrath dismissed the top four A team batsmen - including Graeme Smith, Jacques Rudolph and Daryll Cullinan, regarded as the three men most likely to challenge for Test places. Smith, named 12th man for the first Test, was caught at third slip in the first over. Fellow left-hander Rudolph was bowled when McGrath switched ends and Test veteran Cullinan was caught behind when he pushed forward tentatively.

South Africa were 40 for 3 but Prince, 24, a stocky left-hander, played aggressively as he reached a half-century off 59 balls. But he was tied down by some steady bowling during the afternoon, then failed to add to his tea score before driving too early at McGrath and spooning a simple catch to cover. Prince faced a total of 175 balls, hitting 14 fours.

Left-hand allrounder Goolam Bodi slammed 33 off 26 balls, with five fours and two sixes, scoring most of his runs against legspinner Shane Warne, but the rest of the A team batting was disappointing against a full-strength Australian bowling attack.

Last man Andre Nel was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from McGrath, seemingly in retaliation for a series of short-pitched deliveries sent down by Nel when the Australians were batting. Nel is on standby for the first Test, with South African captain Shaun Pollock a doubtful starter because of a side strain. Pollock is expected to join the South African team in Johannesburg today but is not expected to try to bowl at full pace until Thursday.

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