Zims hope to find will, willow power

Clearly, the word champions start as favourites against their hapless rivals who have excelled in fielding but the batting and bowling departments have left much to be desired.

The Aussies are leading the points table with 11 points from two outings and will be keen to garner the maximum six points at the picturesque Bellerive Oval which will stage its second match in three days.

The Indians were in the second position with seven points from two matches while Zimbabwe were yet to open their account.

The Australians have made two changes from the team that defeated Zimbabwe by 99 runs in Sydney, recalling the tearaway fast bowler Brett Lee and spinner Brad Hogg in the playing XI in place of Jason Gillespie and Ian Harvey.

Australian skipper Ponting had preferred to rest a struggling Lee in the first two matches saying the bowler was physically tired.

“I think he was a bit tired, which was hindering the way he could bowl and the way he could perform,” Ponting said.