Ricky Ponting expects a strong come back from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 – ICC World Cup 2011 news
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755.
“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.
Ponting, who is defending his second successive World Cup title as captain, said on Friday that the game against Sangakkara’s formidable side would be the first test of his side’s credentials in the ongoing showpiece event. He agreed that
the defending champions were yet to be given a thorough test.
“We really haven’t been pushed too much yet,” said Ponting adding that the game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754.
Ponting agreed that the spearhead Sri Lanka pacer, Lasith Malinga- who is fresh from a hat-trick against minnows Kenya- would be a real threat for the visitors. However, he was confident his line-up can handle Malinga’s swinging deliveries.
“He had a great game the other day, and he looks like he’s in pretty good form,” said Ponting while talking to media after a practice session. “He was one of the main focuses for us in the team meeting. We talked about the right way to go
about playing him.”
The 36-year-old http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Tasmania-c854 batsman said that Malinga’s bowling in the middle overs is particularly good and he becomes even deadly with the old ball. He stressed that they would have to make sure they do not lose wickets in middle overs if
they are to extend their winning streak in the World Cups. It must be remembered the mighty Aussies have not lost any game since the ICC World Cup 1999 and are eager to stretch their unbeaten run.
The lengthy gaps between World Cup matches of a team have been heavily criticised by English players, with Kevin Pietersen leading from the front. However, Ponting did not agree with his Ashes rivals by saying that the breaks do not hurt
anybody and instead helped the players stay fresh.
The four-time reigning champions have four points from two matches and stand second on the points table of Group A just behind leaders Pakistan.
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