COLOMBO, Sept 12 AAP - Michael Bevan and Damien Martyn got much-needed boosts as Australia beat the West Indies by six wickets in a practice match ahead of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament.

Martyn made 82 not out and Bevan was 53 not out as Australia made 4-265 in 48.5 overs to surpass the West Indies' total of 5-261.

The match was played at the informal Police Sports Ground in Colombo, where the outfield is sandy and bare, the boundaries short and the pitch dull.

Australia didn't use Glenn McGrath, who had a stomach upset, and Brett Lee, who had a virus.

Andy Bichel took 3-50 off seven overs and Shane Warne bowled well to take 1-17 off six overs while Darren Lehmann, in his first game back since breaking a finger, took 0-35 in eight overs.

Starring for the Windies was Ramnaresh Sarwan, who cracked an unbeaten 72, while Chris Gayle made 45 and Shivnarine Chanderpaul made 56 before retiring.

Australia's batsman all had a good hit, barring the in-form Matthew Hayden, who made three.

Adam Gilchrist (42), Ricky Ponting (27) and Lehmann (34) all had solid knocks before Martyn and Bevan guided Australia to victory.

Martyn faced 88 balls for his 82 and hit nine fours while Bevan hit eight boundaries in his 60-ball innings.

Martyn had been frustrated by his lack of time in the middle in Kenya and needed to have a long stint at the crease, while Bevan had also played only short innings in Kenya.

Lehmann's performance should be enough to convince selectors to recall him to the team at the expense of Jimmy Maher.

Lehmann's advantage lies in his ability to play spin bowling and to also contribute with the ball, bowling his difficult left-arm orthodox spin.

Australia plays New Zealand on Sunday while the tournament gets underway today with Sri Lanka against Pakistan.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.