We're close to our best, says Ponting by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 28th March 2007

 

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said the world champions are approaching their best form after demolishing the West Indies by 103 runs in their opening World Cup Super Eights match on Wednesday.

 

Australia bowled out the hosts for 219 in the 46th over after the two-time defending champions had piled up 322 in their innings on Tuesday before rain caused the game to be held over.

 

Opener Matthew Hayden scored 158 to register his second successive century after his World Cup record 66-ball ton against South African in St Kitts on Saturday.

 

"We are playing pretty close to our optimum," said Ponting whose team have now scored 300 or over in all of their four innings at the World Cup.

 

"Our batting has been very good ever since we got here and to get 322 on that wicket on Tuesday was a very good effort.

 

"Matthew Hayden was the catalyst but the other batters did well and our new ball bowling today was very good."

 

West Indies skipper Brian Lara top-scored with 77 as the hosts replied with Denesh Ramdin hitting 52 at the new Sir Vivian Richards Ground.

 

But they were always struggling to keep up with the asking rate after slipping to 107-5 at one stage.

 

"Australia showed why they are the best side in the world," admitted Lara.

 

"They outplayed us over the two days. They deserve congratulations for a very good performance."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)