BULAWAYO. Oct 10: A solid innings of 148 from Justin Langer led Australia to a commanding total of 335 for seven declared on the opening day of the tourists' three-day match against a Zimbabwan President's XI at the Queen's Club on Saturday, reports Reuters.

In reply the home side were 25 for one wicket at the close of play.

After a cautious start Langer took control against a young and inexperienced bowling attack and struck 13 fours and four sixes in his 233-ball innings that ended with a mistimed pull to the fine-leg boundary where Douglas Marillier held a difficult catch.

Mark Waugh (63) was given a couple of lives during a stand of 128 with Langer before a well flighted delivery from left-arm spinner Raymond Price, nephew of golfer Nick Price, persuaded the batsmen to slice a drive to cover point.

Earlier Michael Slater (18) slashed a drive into the gulley and fellow opener Greg Blewett (25) edged seamer Mpumelelo Mbangwa to slip.

Captain Steve Waugh (27) spent a useful hour at the crease before chipping a return catch to off-spinner Trevor Gripper while veteran wicketkeeper Ian Healy showed an overdue return ' to form with an unbeaten 24.

Glenn McGrath struck an early blow when the local side began their reply by having Marillier (1) caught by Healy although Gripper (7 not out) and Mark Vermeulen (9 not out) finished the day unscathed.

Australia's one-off Test against Zimbabwe begins in Harare on Thursday.