POTCHEFSTROOM (South Africa), Feb 18: Australia’s Steve Waugh put his sacking as a one-day player and captain behind him with a determined 91 not out against South Africa ‘A’ before rain stopped play Monday.

Earlier, Ricky Ponting, Waugh’s replacement as limited overs skipper, resumed on 93 and made 120 from 155 balls with 23 fours before being caught behind by wicket-keeper Thami Tsolekile after cutting a delivery from Gulam Bodi.

Australia reached 351 for eight before the match closed early due to rain on the second day of the three-day clash. Rain also washed out the final session of the first day Sunday.

Only 96 of a scheduled 208 overs have been possible on the first two days of Australia’s only match before the start of the first Test in Johannesburg Friday.

Waugh hit 19 boundaries, many with blazing cut shots, during a spirited battle with fast bowler Andre Nel, who is on standby for the first Test in case Shaun Pollock fails a fitness test Thursday.

Australia’s batting has been mixed in the tour match, with four of the top seven scoring 18 runs or fewer.

After Ponting’s dismissal, Damien Martyn skied a sweep off Claude Henderson and was caught for one by Daryll Cullinan.

Adam Gilchrist scored 16 before edging a ball from medium pacer Andrew Hall to Graeme Smith at second slip, and Shane Warne padded up to a delivery from the same bowler that darted back and trapped him lbw for a duck.

Brett Lee, who scored six, became Hall’s fifth victim when he also edged to Smith at second slip after the first rain break. Hall took five for 91.