All-rounder Shane Watson has increased the pressure on incumbent Simon Katich for Australia's opening role by scoring a sparkling 70 in a practice match.

Australia made 7-297 from its 50 overs at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium after being sent in to bat by the home team, a Maharashtra Cricket Association XI.

Watson's fellow Queenslander Andrew Symonds top-scored with 78.

Batting at number five, Symonds clubbed two fours and seven sixes off 59 balls, taking advantage of the small ground and fast out-field.

Opening with Adam Gilchrist, Watson hit seven fours and two sixes in his 83-ball knock, while skipper Ricky Ponting made 24 and Damien Martyn looked at ease for his 42.

Mike Hussey (4) and Gilchrist (6) were the only recognised batsmen who failed to get a start.

Regular opener Katich was left out of the practice side along with spinner Dan Cullen and batsman Michael Clarke, who has a minor side strain and withdrew as a precaution.

Australia has another practice match on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium before opening its Champions Trophy campaign with a match at the nearby Cricket Club of India Ground next Wednesday against qualifier number two, which will be either Sri Lanka or West Indies.

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