Aussies seeking to peak at right time

Defending champions Australia may not be hot favourites this time, but are expected to open their World Cup campaign on a winning note when they clash with Zimbabwe on Monday.

The past records show that only a dramatic reversal in form can prevent Australia from winning the game as they have lost just one of their 27 one-day internationals against Zimbabwe, their last clash being in May 2004.

Their lone defeat came in the first one-dayer played between the two teams, at Trent Bridge in England in the 1983 World Cup, following a remarkable all-round show by Duncan Fletcher (69 not out and 4-42).

Australia, aiming for an unprecedented fourth successive title after winning in 1999, 2003 and 2007, have not suffered a defeat in the last two World Cups in South Africa and the West Indies under Ricky Ponting.

They may have shed much of their prowess in recent years following the retirements of Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath, but still remain a team to beat in one-day cricket.

The famous "Aussie grit" was on view when they thrashed England 6-1 in a recent home series after losing the Ashes.

They lost both of their World Cup warm-up games, but batsman Michael Clarke said it was not a cause for concern.

"Obviously, the result did not go the way we would have liked. But we all understand that they are practice games. It's more about giving the boys an opportunity than about winning," said Clarke.

"A practice game is a practice game. Everybody had a bit of a run around and has seen the conditions. It's about preparing well to be in right shape before the game against Zimbabwe."

Australia get an opportunity to solve their batting and bowling problems in their first game before they run into bigger teams.

"They (Zimbabwe) are a good side and Monday's match is going to be very crucial for us," key Australian paceman Brett Lee said. "We hope to peak at the right time."

Australia's batting against spin on turning tracks left a lot to be desired in both of their practice matches while their pacemen were too erratic to test rival batsmen.

They are likely to face another spin test as Zimbabwe have excellent slow bowlers in Raymond Price, Prosper Utseya and Graeme Cremer.

Australia expect openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin to provide a solid start, so essential to set or chase a big total.

All-rounder Watson is the man in form and is known for his hard and clean hitting, having scored 306 in six one-dayers against England with a hundred and two half-centuries, while Haddin has provided valuable support.

The onus will be on Ponting and Clarke to provide solidity to middle order in the absence of injured batsman Michael Hussey.

The pair's form ahead of the tournament augurs well for Australia, with Ponting scoring two successive half-centuries in warm-up games against India and South Africa and Clarke one.

The focus will also be on Lee, who has recently returned to the one-day side after recovering from injuries.

Lee played a major role in Australia's one-day series win over England, taking 11 wickets. He also looked impressive against India in the practice match, finishing with three victims.

Zimbabwe, who lost their last one-day series in Bangladesh recently, will be keen to put in a solid batting performance. They hope recent batting tips from West Indies great Brian Lara will stand them in good stead.

"He (Lara) shared his experience with us and it helped us a lot. Hopefully, we will be able to put it into practice," Zimbabwean captain Elton Chigumbura said ahead of the match.

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