September 28, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 27, 1429

JAIPUR (India), Sept 27: Simon Katich top-scored with 73 as the Australians were all out for 218 in a two-day practice match against a local side here on Saturday.

The 33-year-old left-hander hit 10 fours in his 105-ball knock after captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat against the RCA Centre of Excellence eleven.

Ponting, who averages a dismal 12.28 from eight Tests in India, failed to use the opportunity to find form ahead of the four-Test series, making just five.

Prolific opener Matthew Hayden (16), making a return after an injury lay-off, put on 54 runs for the opening wicket partnership with Katich.

Fit-again Shane Watson worked hard for his 30 runs which came off a 91-minute stay at the wicket and included three fours.

The all-rounder, 27, is set to figure in the opening Test of the four-match series starting in Bangalore on Oct 9 as a seamer and middle-order batsman.

Left-arm spinner Gajendra Singh, 20, picked five wickets for 58 runs, exposing Australia’s vulnerability to spin.

Summarised scores:

AUSTRALIANS 1ST INNS 218 in 77.1 overs (Simon Katich 73, Shane Watson 30; Gajendra Singh 5-58).—AFP