Streak of the unbeaten Australia against Zimbabwe

Defending champions Australia will kick off their campaign against the minnows, Zimbabwe, in Ahmedabad at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera, on Monday. The Ricky Ponting-led outfit will look forward to extend their unbeaten streak of 29 matches in the pinnacle of the game.

Australians are yet to taste a defeat in the World Cup since 1999. Making his intentions clear, Ponting said they will show no sympathy for the opposition. When asked if he would like to finish their first game in the same fashion as New Zealand, who crushed Kenya, pat came the reply, “Definitely, that is the plan,” he roared.

Considering its batting line-up studded with Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, David Hussey, Brad Haddin and himself with four strike bowlers in the form of Brett Lee, Doug Bollinger, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson, the Kangaroos should not have any problem in dispatching Zimbabwe.

The Aussies also say there is no pressure of being the defending champions, either. They said it makes little difference whether they start as favourites or not.

“Over the years, probably talk of 1999 and 2003, in those two events we were talked about as favourites, but were certainly not talked about as favourites in 2007. It doesn’t worry us at all,” Ponting said.

According to Australian skipper, his team has maintained high standards over the years. “Whether it was home or abroad, we managed to win one-day games. We are proud of that. And we know how to play in subcontinent in different stages of this tournament,” said Ponting.

The 36-year-old skipper is poised to get past former teammate Glenn McGrath in the number of World Cup appearances on Monday. The two Australians are tied with 39 appearances ahead of the tie at the Motera stadium. “I don’t know. I was asked this question but I wasn’t aware. These are nice things when you finish,” he said.

Meanwhile, injuries have been the talking point of this World Cup. A few teams have lost their key players, including Australia. But playing down the loss of Mike Hussey and Nathan Hauritz, Ponting wants to look forward. When asked if the decision of sending back the Hussey Sr was a little premature, he said that the selectors made the decision based on the reports given by the medical staff. “We can’t think of that. We have 15 players here now, capable of winning the Cup.”

Ponting said he is happy with the return of Brett Lee, who had had an elbow injury. “Lee is our best bowler with lot of pace and has added a few more tricks than he used to have. And no doubt that he is going to lead our attack,” the skipper said.

Australia are here with only one specialist spinner — Jason Krejza. However, Ponting is not complaining. India’s win over Bangladesh has boosted his confidence. “Our team is similar to that of Indian team that played last night (Saturday). They played three pacers and one specialist spinner with Yuvraj and Pathan rolling their arms over. We will field a similar side,” he said.

On the other hand, it will be interesting to see how Zimbabweans apply valuable tips they got from batting great Brian Lara. Elton Chigumbura-led outfit spent four weeks in Dubai before landing in the subcontinent. But they are well aware of their limitations.

Coach Alan Butcher admitted it will need miracle to stop Australia’s unbeaten streak. “Let’s be honest. If both the sides play their best cricket, it is very likely we will lose,” said Butcher.
Zimbabwe will bank on their spinners. It won’t be surprising if captain Chigumbura opens the attack with his spinners Ray Price, Graeme Cremer and Prosper Utseya.