Shane Watson gives Australia an extra option as an opener

Australia began their preparations for the World Cup with a comprehensive 106-run victory over Zimbabwe.

Ricky Ponting's reigning champions piled up 290-7 in the warm-up contest, four more than England managed on the same ground against Bermuda.

Shane Watson (81) and Michael Clarke (82) were the main contributors.

In reply, the Zimbabweans struggled to force the ball away on a sluggish surface before Sean Williams struck a well compiled 44 in their 184-7.

The Australians used eight different bowlers as the match petered towards its inevitable conclusion and any intensity in their early overs was diluted considerably in the latter stages.

It was a combination of Australia's recent lack of potency with the ball and Zimbabwe's conservative approach which dragged out the contest through its full course.

Australia, who came into this Caribbean tournament on the back of five consecutive one-day international defeats, fielded only 12 of the 13 players permitted in these practice contests.

Andrew Symonds (shoulder) and Matthew Hayden (broken toe) are currently sidelined while Adam Gilchrist, who remained at home to witness the birth of his third child, only arrived late on Monday night.

Ponting, returning from a back injury, nicked an outswinger from Elton Chigumbura and made just two.

He was the only Australian batsman not to get some meaningful time at the crease.

But Clarke's energetic innings showed no signs of the troublesome hip problem which put him out of the trip to New Zealand last month.