Australia made 9(dec)-214 to hold a 13-run first innings lead in the tour match against the WICB President’s XI in Barbados.

Peter Forrest top-scored with 53 not out, captain Michael Clarke declaring shortly after the Queensland batsman posted his half-century with a six at the 3Ws Oval.

Resuming on 2-81 in reply to the hosts’ 201, the tourists lost three wickets in the first session.

Clarke (30) and Ricky Ponting (13) fell inside the first hour before Peter Nevill (25) was dismissed right on the lunch break to end a 49-run stand with Forrest.

Clarke fell slashing at a wide delivery having added 19 in quick time to his overnight score of 11, his attempted cut catching the edge and giving wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh the simplest of catches.

Baugh was in the action three overs later when Ponting gloved a delivery from the impressive Delorn Johnson (1-17) down the legside, which was again easily caught to leave Australia 4-113.

Forrest and Nevill then batted solidly towards the lunchbreak before Nevill presented Baugh with his third catch of the session, edging spinner Nkrumah Bonner (3-43).

After the break Peter Siddle (3), Ryan Harris (5) and James Pattinson (0) were quickly dismissed as Bonner and fellow spinner Ryan Austin (3-43) used the turn on the dry 3Ws Oval to their advantage.

Austin claimed the final wicket of the innings, bowling Ben Hilfenhaus (7) but Nathan Lyon (6no) hung around long enough for Australia to take a lead and for Forrest to reach his 50.