Ponting expects severe test from Sri Lanka

Australian captain Ricky Ponting expects Sri Lanka to come out firing after their defeat to Pakistan and give the defending champions the first severe test of their World Cup credentials.

Ponting, in charge for the past two of Australia's three successive World Cup triumphs, said his team had yet to be given a thorough examination.

"We really haven't been pushed too much yet. The Zimbabwe game was obviously a very easy win," said Ponting, adding that Australia picked off the runs easily against New Zealand in their second game.

Ponting is confident his batsmen can cope with Sri Lankan spearhead Lasith Malinga, who took a career-best 6-38, including a hat-trick, against Kenya on Tuesday.

"We have played a fair bit against Malinga over the years. He had a great game the other day, and he looks like he's in pretty good form. He was one of the main focuses for us in the team meeting.

"We talked about the right way to go about playing him. His bowling in the middle overs and with the older ball is particularly good, so we have to make sure we don't let him take wickets and have the impact on the game."

Ponting said Sri Lanka, Australia's beaten opponents in the 2007 World Cup final, would be determined to win after defeat against Pakistan.

"Sri Lanka were one of the favourites coming into the tournament and although they've lost that one game against Pakistan, I don't think that changes anything at all. They're a well-skilled and well-drilled team," said the Australian captain.

Sri Lanka are considering playing all three of their specialist spinners -- Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath -- in an attempt to outspin the defending champions but Ponting is unfazed.

"It certainly hasn't spun anywhere near as much as in the past and the teams that have batted second have had a bit more of a chance in the game."

Ponting said long gaps between matches had helped his players stay fresh.

"A break never hurts anybody. We have started the tournament well, and all our guys are nice and fit, so we didn't really need the break," said Ponting.

Australia have four points from two games, with Pakistan sitting on top of Group A with six points after three wins