Aussies celebrate McGrath's feat (Getty Images)
RAMPANT AUSSIES LOOK TO ENGLAND
Australia captain Ricky Ponting insists his side have no plans to ease up as
they look ahead to their final World Cup Pool A game against England.
Ponting's side claimed their place in the Super Six stage of the tournament
with a ruthless 256-run thrashing of African minnows Namibia today.
Paceman Glenn McGrath claimed a World Cup-record seven for 15 as Namibia were
shot out for a paltry 45, the joint second lowest score in tournament history.
The win was also the Australians' 11th in succession in one-day internationals
and they now have the chance to claim a record 12th against England in Port
Elizabeth on Sunday.
Ponting said: "It was short work. It was always going to be tough for Namibia
facing that team.
"Things are going really well. We came into this game wanting to go flat out
and now we will be looking forward to the next game against England.
"If we keep performing they we have we are going to put up a good show."
With half-centuries from Matthew Hayden, Andrew Symonds and Darren Lehmann,
Australia posted a score of 301 for six that was always likely to prove too much
for Namibia.
Hayden cracked 88 from 73 balls before Lehmann finished the innings with a
flourish by hitting a World Cup-record 28 from the last over to finish unbeaten
on 50.
Nevertheless Namibia were pleased with their disciplined effort in the field
as they maintained the favourable impression they have created in the
tournament. Louis Burger also made his mark with the ball, claiming figures of
three for 39.
Skipper Deon Kotze said: "I felt we were very good. Right up until the 49th
over we were in the game.
"Louis Burger was exceptional. Today we spoke about the areas we wanted to
bowl and he stuck to it and was rewarded for it."
But of his side's innings he added: "It is very tough when you have got one
man at one end bowling at 95 miles per hour and the best pace bowler in the
world at the other. They give you absolutely nothing."
McGrath was named man of the match for his outstanding effort but also
insisted that his work is far from done in this tournament.
He said: "I am very happy. It came out well and I am happy with the way I
have been bowling in this tournament so far.
"Hopefully it will continue for the rest of the World Cup. We've just got to
continue our good form and take it through to the World Cup final."
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