AHMADABAD: Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and chose to bat first on Monday as his side began its World Cup defense against Zimbabwe in Group A.
Australia, bidding for their fourth straight crown, left out Doug Bollinger, Callum Ferguson, John Hastings and Tim Paine from the 15.
Ponting said there were no injury worries for the four-time winner ahead of the match at the Sardar Patel Stadium, and the Australians were eager to get going. Australia lost both its warmup matches before the tournament.
As expected, Australia picked three fast bowlers, with Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson in the attack, but there was also a place in the starting lineup for off-spinner Jason Krejza.
Zimbabwe omitted Terrence Duffin, Greg Lamb - who is injured, Shingirai Masakadza and Tinashe Panyangara from their Cup squad.
Teams:
Australia: Ricky Ponting (c), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke, Cameron White, David Hussey, Steven Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Tait, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee
Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura, Brendon Taylor, Charles Coventry, Tatenda Taibu, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Prosper Utseya, Shingirai Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price.
