Ponting reckons Tait can be great at World Cup by AFP

---

Player:	SW Tait
Event:	ICC World Cup 2006/07

---

DateLine: 10th March 2007

 

Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes fast bowler Shaun Tait can be the reigning champions' ace card during the World Cup

 

Tait took four for 33 in Australia's five-wicket win against arch-rivals England in the teams' final warm-up match ahead of the start of the first Caribbean World Cup on Tuesday.

 

The 24-year-old South Australia quick has only played four one-day internationals since making his debut last month against England in Sydney.

 

That debut match, where he took two for 68 in 10 overs, revived concerns about Tait's ability to keep the runs down but Ponting was in no doubt the tyro could be both a wicket-taker and a container.

 

Against England, Tait unsettled captain Michael Vaughan and got rid of the Yorkshire batsman's opening partner Ed Joyce, with a superb inswinging yorker for a nailed-on lbw against the Irish-born left-hander.

 

"He got the ball reversing and he's certainly going to be a threat," said Vaughan.

 

Tait then dismissed dangerman Kevin Pietersen before taking the last two wickets as Australia, World Cup winners in 1999 and 2003, bowled England out for 197

 

"I sat down and had a bit of chat with Shaun about how he can be best used," Ponting explained.

 

"Today he showed everybody just how effective he can be - and it's not the first time he's done that.

 

"If he gets everything right and bowls the way he can bowl he's not only a wicket-taker but a very good container throughout the middle of the innings.

 

"For Shaun, whose relatively new to international cricket, to take four wickets against England is something that will help him out throughout this tournament."

 

Tait too was understandably pleased with his haul.

 

"To take 'four for' was probably just what I needed," he said.

 

"I've been a little bit disappointed with some of the games I've played for Australia in the last few weeks but today I was quite happy. But whether I am the spearhead is another story.

 

"One of my strengths is swinging it with the new ball and I suppose Ricky wants me to open up at the start and jag a wicket. If I can do that, I've done my job."

 

But Ponting kept his bowlers and the media guessing by saying Australia hadn't settled on an attack to face Scotland in their first Group A match in St Kitts on Wednesday.

 

"We've got a bit of talking to do, a bit of discussion. We've got a few ways we could go."

 

Another player making a strong bid for a starting place was all-rounder Shane Watson, who made 55 in an opening stand of 140 with Adam Gilchrist (72).

 

Although Matthew Hayden (broken toe), if fit, is set to resume his successful first-wicket partnership with fellow left-hander Gilchrist against Scotland, Ponting said a place could yet be found for Watson even though the Queenslander had a talent for opening.

 

"I think his game is best suited to the top of the order. He drives the ball down the ground and cuts it and pulls it as good as anybody going around.

 

"At the same time, he's a strong guy so if he we can get him in during the right situations, with wickets in hand towards the end of the innings he can clear the rope for us as well."

 

Ponting, one of the world's leading batsmen only made two (against Zimbabwe) and seven in Australia's two warm-up matches but said he was unconcerned by his own form.

 

"Hopefully, when the bigger games come round, I can get some runs. I'm not too concerned."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)