Flying squad up for mission

Michael Bevan hopes to make a belated appearance at the World Cup when defending champions Australia take on minnows Namibia in a Group A ma...

Michael Bevan hopes to make a belated appearance at the World Cup when defending champions Australia take on minnows Namibia in a Group A match here tomorrow.

The left-hander has not had a chance to bat, bowl or take a catch in the four matches so far which Australia won easily to become the first team to book a place in the Super Sixes. Victories over Namibia and England at Port Elizabeth on Sunday will see Australia end the preliminary league as the only side with an all-win record.

Bevan was padded up to come in next when Darren Lehmann and Damien Martyn hit half-centuries to guide the champions home by seven wickets against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo on Monday.

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The one-day specialist could, however, get his chance to bat tomorrow after captain Ricky Ponting indicated he may elevate Bevan from his customary No 6 place in the order against Namibia.

‘‘We’ll have to think about that, for sure, ponting said after the Zimbabwe romp. Another game has gone by without Bevo having a hit. That was the only thing that was disappointing to come out of the game. We’ve played four games and he hasn’t had a bat yet, so we’ll have to look at that.’’ Bevan though was not worried at having to cool his heels in the pavilion.

‘‘There’s no doubt I’ll get my opportunity to play a batting role soon,’’ he said. ‘‘Batting at No 6 gives me the opportunity to bat in a number of different situations and I’m sure I’ll be at the crease at some stage.” (Reuters)