Matthew Hayden has batted at Australia's net sessions as he recovers from a broken toe © Getty Images Enlarge

Australia's concern over Andrew Symonds continues to ease after he began throwing for the first time since tearing a biceps in Sydney last month. Symonds' mood-lifting week of activities started with hitting tennis balls and he got through another examination with some fielding drills while Australia beat Zimbabwe by 106 runs in St Vincent.

Symonds used a cricket ball for 12 light throws, according to The Australian, and he appears to be on track to fulfil his goal of playing in the group game against South Africa in St Kitts on March 24. The rehabilitation will continue as the team prepares to face England in their final warm-up game on Friday.

Matthew Hayden, who is recovering from a broken toe, will miss the match but is still confident of returning for Australia's opening contest of the World Cup against Scotland on Wednesday. "Symonds and Hayden have been doing their fair share of training over the last week," Ricky Ponting said in The Australian. "They have both had bats in their hand. Matty has had a couple of really good hits the last couple of days."