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21-Feb-2011 09:24:00 GMT
Australia v Zimbabwe, Group A World cup, Ahmedabad

Aussies Elect to Bat Against Zimbabwe

Ahmedabad: Australia skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and opted to bat against Zimbabwe as the defending champions begin their World Cup campaign at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad.

Ponting said there were no injury worries for the four-time winner ahead of the Group A match at the Sardar Patel Stadium, and the Australians were eager to get going. Australia lost both its warm-up matches.

As expected, Australia picked three fast bowlers, with Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson in the attack, but there was also a place in the starting lineup for off-spinner Jason Krejza.

Ponting is to make a record 40th appearance in a World Cup match. For Zimbabwe, captain Elton Chigumbura said batsman Greg Lamb was unwell and had been replaced by Regis Chakabva.

Four World Cup titles under the belt but Australia are not exactly the favourites in this edition of the quadrennial event.

Australia have been unbeaten in 22 matches in the last two tournaments played in South Africa (2003) and West Indies (2007), under Ricky Ponting.

They have won 23 back to back matches stretching to 1999 and have been unconquered in 29 ties, which includes the unforgettable tied match against South Africa in the semifinal 12 years ago.


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