Australia Aim For Positive Start With The Bat

Australia will bat first in their opening game of the tournament after winning the toss at Motera, giving their batsmen the chance for some time in the middle as they ease their way into the competition against Zimbabwe.

There's some grass on the pitch and it's been rolled very hard, so there should be decent carry for the quick bowlers - particularly on the Australian side. There are some bare patches at one end, however, so there's also something for Zimbabwe's spin-heavy attack to aim for. In order to negate the possibility that dew will play a decisive role later on, the outfield hasn't been watered for three days and was sprayed with a chemical solution this morning.

Australia may not be favourites to lift the World Cup this time round, but they're overwhelming favourites in this encounter and a good workout against a Zimbabwean outfit who should at least present more of a challenge than the likes of Kenya or Canada will probably be seen as a chance to get into the groove before sterner challenges in the weeks to come. The Zimbabwe camp has been realistic about its chances in this game, coach Alan Butcher saying "If we play confidently, play our best cricket and Australia don't, then we may have a chance. Let's be honest, if both sides play their best cricket, it's very likely that we'll lose."

Australia have gone with what is, arguably, their strongest XI and their bowling attack bristles with testosterone with Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson all included. They've also got options in the slow-bowling department, with a specialist spinner in Jason Krezja and part-time options in David Hussey and Steve Smith.

Zimbabwe were forced to make a change to their line-up after Greg Lamb was forced to withdraw after picking up an illness, meaning both Regis Chakabva and Sean Williams find a place in the XI. There is a familiar hue to their bowling attack, with much resting on how well their spinners can deal with a strong Australian batting group.

Australian Cricket Team Members: 1 Shane Watson, 2 Brad Haddin (wk), 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Clarke, 5 Cameron White, 6 David Hussey, 7 Steve Smith, 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Jason Krezja, 11 Shaun Tait

Zimbabwe Cricket Team Members: 1 Brendan Taylor, 2 Charles Coventry, 3 Regis Chakabva, 4 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 5 Craig Ervine, 6 Sean Williams, 7 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Ray Price, 11 Chris Mpofu