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Subscribe to RSS Feed scots lament poor batting show
Ponting - pleased with the workout.
Scotland captain Craig Wright reflected on a poor batting display after his team's World Cup defeat at the hands of Australia .
Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath shone as Australia inflicted defeat on Scotland by the second-highest margin in World Cup history in the Group A opener in St Kitts.
Australia captain Ponting (113) plundered a record-equalling fourth World Cup hundred as a largely disciplined attack proved unable to contain him and conceded 334 for six.
Scotland's batsmen therefore knew they had no realistic chance of causing an upset - and once they ran into McGrath (three for 13), it required some sensible batting from Colin Smith (51) to salvage pride on the way to 131 all out and a 203-run loss.
Wright said at the post-match presentation: "I thought we competed really well, for the first 45 overs of their innings particularly.
"But the last five overs of their innings and the first 10 of theirs really killed us.
"Colin played well, so we can take some credit there.
"We did well on a small ground with a quick outfield against some top-class batting.
"But our batting did not start well - and that put us on the back foot straight away."
Man of the match Ponting said: "It was a good game for us after a good practice game against England last week.
"Things are starting to feel really good among the group again - the boys played well today.
"The wickets will turn a bit more later in the tournament so having flexibility in the team is crucial."
Ponting revealed that Andrew Symonds is closing in on a return to the Australia side after a biceps injury.
He added: "Andrew is one of the players who can take the pace off the ball - and he said on the bus that he was right to play today.
"It would be good to give him a run out in the Holland game (on Sunday).
McGrath added: "It's a perfect way to start the World Cup - and it's good to see Shaun Tait get a couple of wickets. He bowled very well."
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