HYDERABAD, India (AP):

A DEFIANT 96-run partnership between Michael Hussey and Stuart Clark for the last wicket helped Australia avoid the follow-on yesterday in a warm-up game against the Indian Board President's XI.

Hussey posted an unbeaten 126 and Clark made 44 as Australia recovered from 218-9 to reach 314 in their first innings, after the Board Presi-dent's XI scored 455.

Resuming on 191-4, Australia crumbled against leg-spinner Piyush Chawla (5-89) and left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha (3-72).

Brad Haddin began the slump, failing to add to his overnight score of 34. Jason Krejza (0), Brett Lee (0), Mitchell Johnson (five) and Peter Siddle (three) then lost their wickets, but Clark held his ground and provided support to Hussey.

Hussey struck one six and 14 fours off 302 balls in 31/2 hours, while Clark defied the Indian attack for 2 1/2 hours.

Miscued shot

Clark hit two sixes and four boundaries from 107 deliveries before miscuing a shot against part-time spinner Yuvraj Singh.

Leading by 141 runs on the first innings, the Board Presi-dent's XI lost opener Aakash Chopra (six) and Subramaniam Badrinath (14) cheaply, but Wasim Jaffer and Yuvraj then batted soundly to take the score to 110-2 at stumps.

Going into the final day of the four-day match, the Board President's XI lead by 251 with Jaffer on 46 and Yuvraj 37.

Meanwhile, allrounder Came-ron White has been added to Australia's squad.

White to replace McGain

Cricket Australia said yesterday that White would replace Bryce McGain, who will return to Australia due to a shoulder injury.

"We feel that Cameron's legspin and experience in Indian conditions, where he has just returned after captaining the Australia A one-day team to a tournament victory, is the correct option and will provide a good balance to our slow bowling attack," said selectors' chairman Andrew Hilditch.

White, 25, will meet the Australia squad in Bangalore tomorrow ahead of the first Test starting on Thursday in the south Indian city.