Scare for Aussies

Infact, Zimbabwe struck early to get Australia down to 19 for the loss of three wickets and it took some kind of a recovery act to get past the 100 mark. And no matter what the final outcome of the match is, Australia were definitely given a scare by the minnows.

The fact that Australia have not really been in action after winning the World Cup was rather evident. The dismissals of Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, both to Elton Chigumbura, were setback enough. But when Ricky Ponting thick-edged to third man off Gary Brent, the situation became really serious.

Andrew Symonds and Michael Hussey consolidated for a couple of overs but a brilliant pick-up and diving throw from Vusi Sibanda found Hussey short of his crease.

The run rate again slowed down and Brad Hodge was the first to hit a six as late as in the 14th over.