Australia’s pace attack will take Zimbabwe by storm: Ian Chappell

Australia gambled in selecting a strong pace attack and it will pay dividends against the inexperienced Zimbabweans today

Australia's pace attack will take Zimbabwe by storm: Ian Chappell

Australia gambled in selecting a strong pace attack and it will pay dividends against the inexperienced Zimbabweans today

Brett Lee during the last series against England. PIC/GETTY images

They met two of the strong favourites in the tournament and lost comprehensively on both occasions but they can take heart, as their next opponents Zimbabwe, are not in the same class. Australia will beat Zimbabwe comfortably and it shouldn't be underestimated what getting back into the winner's circle will do for a team that has become accustomed to claiming victory.

Australia gambled in selecting a strong pace attack and it will pay dividends against the inexperienced Zimbabwe line-up. Zimbabwe may have played plenty of cricket of late but they won't have faced bowling of the speed of Brett Lee and company.

The other facet of play where Australia will appreciate a lesser opposition is when they bat. Ricky Ponting has proved his fitness in the warm-up games and also displayed improved form so he'll be looking to build on a solid start. However, what he'll really be looking for is much improved form from his middle-order.

They were troubled by the spinners of both India and South Africa and in that regard there won't be much let up against Zimbabwe. The Zimbabweans have relied heavily on spin in recent years, but the quality of bowling may not provide the same challenge that Australia faced in their warm-up games.

Ponting will be hoping the likes of David Hussey and Cameron White can reveal their best form early in the World Cup to provide them with confidence for the greater challenges that lie ahead. Nevertheless, this will only be the second objective of the Australian team in the match against Zimbabwe; the first priority will be to ensure the two points.

The other matter of interest for Australia's future will be the make-up of their team for this first match. This may provide a clue as to whether they're going to go all out for the kill with pace or present a more balanced approach with spin from both Jason Krezja and Steve Smith.

The latter approach may be the smarter move. Australia can match it with the favourites like India and South Africa when the knockout phase arrives but they'll need to be firing on all cylinders. To do that they need to start moving into top gear and that will spell trouble for Zimbabwe.

It may sound like bullying to take out the frustration of two losses in the warm-up games on lowly Zimbabwe. However, that's exactly what Australia needs to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

Live on Star Sports, Star Cricket, 14:30

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