Australia's captain, Ricky Ponting, runs ahead of teammates during a team training session at Warner Park in Basseterre yesterday. - Reuters

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (CMC):

AUSTRALIA'S CAPTAIN, Ricky Ponting, yesterday exuded confidence as his side prepared to mount their title defence against minnows Scotland in their opening match of the Cricket World Cup today.

In contrast, Scotland's coach, Peter Drinnen, appeared cautiously optimistic about his team's chances of causing an upset against the world champions in the opening Group A fixture at Warner Park.

Thousands of people from the twin-island federation of St. Kitts & Nevis are expected to honour a public holiday declared by government, to mark the biggest game in the country's history.

Ponting, who is appearing in his fourth World Cup, said they would not underestimate their weaker opponents though they knew little about the Scots, who they meet for the first time in an international match.

"There will be no underestimation. Even in our practice games (last week) we wanted to play proper one-day cricket and the guys are ready to do that," Ponting told CMC Sports, as he relaxed on the lush-green Warner Park turf watching the West Indies versus Pakistan game being televised on a huge screen.

"We have settled well since we arrived about 10 days ago. We worked really hard in St. Vincent (in the warm-up games). The young players might be a bit nervous but we are confident."

Pitch looks good

The right-handed batsman said the pitch "looks good and "it looks harder and has some grass. There seems to be more pace and bounce. The ground looks in good condition. It is not large so there should be plenty of runs," Ponting said.

The only player not available for selection for the Aussies, who are going after their fourth World Cup title, is all-rounder Andrew Symonds who is still recovering from an operation to repair a torn bicep.

"He's getting closer to being match fit. He's coming along nicely. Mathew Hayden (who had a toe injury) is ok and fit and healthy and ready to play," the captain said.

He said new pace find, Shaun Tait, who is rated as one of the quickest bowlers in the world, will be released on the Scottish batsmen.

"He will play and open the bowling along with probably Nathan Bracken. Shaun swung the ball in St. Vincent at the start of the innings and is coming on nicely," Ponting noted.

Asked about veteran seamer Glenn McGrath's wish to use the new ball, the skipper said he could get that chance as the tournament progresses depending on the nature of the pitch.

Players delighted

Drinnen said his players were under no illusions this game was the biggest of their careers.

"We are delighted to be playing Australia in our first game," he said after taking a look at the pitch ahead of the practice session. "This is a fantastic opportunity against the best team in the world and we accept the challenge." Drinnen said the squad was well-balanced with former England all-rounder Dougie Brown, ex-Test batsman Gavin Hamilton and captain Craig Wright the men to watch.

"I don't like to single out players. We have 15 players to get results and all have to do their bit and fill their roles," he added.

SQUADS: AUSTRALIA - Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson.

SCOTLAND - Craig Wright (captain), John Blain, Dougie Brown, Gavin Hamilton, Majid Haq, Paul Hoffmann, Douglas Lockhart, Ross Lyons, Neil McCallum, Dewald Nel, Navdeep Poonia, Glenn Rogers, Colin Smith, Ryan Watson, Fraser Watts.