Shane Watson and Michael Clarke scored half-centuries as Australia belted 7-290 batting first in their World Cup warm-up match against Zimbabwe on the Caribbean island of St Vincent.

Australia's three leading scorers, Clarke (82), Watson (81) and Brad Haddin (47) were all given lives by Zimbabwe in the field. Watson was missed on 66 and Clarke on 44 while Haddin should have been out for two.

Perhaps the Africans, ranked 10th in the world and facing the might of the world champions, were distracted by the planes flying overhead with the Joshua Airport providing a noisy backdrop to the Arnos Vale Sports Complex ground.

Back-up wicketkeeper Haddin opened the batting with Watson after first-choice gloveman Adam Gilchrist arrived overnight from Australia.

Vice-captain Gilchrist was rested on Tuesday, walking laps before play after joining the squad late because of paternal leave with wife Mel giving birth to the couple's third child, Archie, in Perth.

Haddin and Watson began cautiously to reach 0-36 before Haddin crashed 4-0-4-4-0-6 off Anthony Ireland's bowling, finishing with a straight six to take the total to 0-54 from 10 overs.

The NSW strokeplayer had been dropped at point on two by Sean Williams. Williams managed to grasp a second chance after Haddin made a sparkling 47 from 42 balls.

Captain Ricky Ponting came and went cheaply for two, caught behind trying to angle a ball through slips at 2-105.

Opening the blade also led to Watson's downfall as the Queenslander was caught at backward point.

Clarke looked in excellent touch before holing out to long-off at 7-266 in the 48th over.

Brad Hodge (17), Mike Hussey (15) and Brad Hogg (5) all failed to capitalise in the excellent batting conditions against a modest bowling attack.

Australia's other warm-up game is against England on Friday, also at Arnos Vale.

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