Aussies arrive, the journey begins

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, Jan 31 AAP - Their journey has begun.

Australia's World Cup players strolled through Johannesburg Airport today with the confident air, the swagger, of a team in control of its own destiny, knowing their biggest dangers over the next two months are themselves.

They will start massive favourites.

"It's something we don't think about," said captain Ricky Ponting.

"We just go about our business, working hard, training hard and trying to improve ourselves all the time.

"I'm sure some of the other sides do fear us a little because we're number one but we don't think about that.

"All-round talent and experience are our strengths. We've seen it all and done it all before. You look at our record and it suggests that we have been able to perform in big games."

But there's a tricky one first-up - moody, unpredictable Pakistan on February 11. Wasim Akram has a team so potentially brilliant, and so potentially bad, the Australians have no idea what to expect.

"Our objective over the next eight to ten days will be making sure that we're playing good cricket when the first game comes," said Ponting.

"We might have a few new tricks up our sleeves."

Four years ago, Australia - favourites again - lost to Pakistan during a terrible opening round of pool matches that left them needing seven straight wins to lift the silverware.

Miracles don't happen twice.

"In 1999 we weren't playing well at the start and almost played ourselves out of the tournament," he said.

"We have to make sure we're sharp at the start of this tournament."

At the end of this tournament, most likely, will be South Africa, spurred on by a rumbling groundswell of support from an entire continent. Australia versus South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on March 23 - what an occasion that would be.

"There's a lot of games to come before we play South Africa," said Ponting.

"We're confident but South Africa are a very good cricket side. They'll obviously be harder to beat here on their home soil."

Ponting would hear nothing of a two-horse race, though, with Australia's second match, on February 15, being another potential minefield against India.

Sachin Tendulkar and especially Harbhajan Singh have tormented Ponting before.

"There are some very good teams around and on their day anyone can produce something special," said Ponting.

"That's all it takes - one special performance by one individual can win a game."

A major variable for Australia is injury but Shane Warne (dislocated shoulder), Glenn McGrath (back strain) and Jason Gillespie (elbow) are returning to full fitness, likely to play practice matches on Tuesday and Thursday.

"Everyone's going okay now," said Ponting.

"To have Shane, Glenn and Jason out of the side at one time was a bit of a worry for us. Shane played last week, Jason played in a one-day game for South Australia last week and Glenn keeps telling me that he's right to go."

Australia will train at Potchefstroom tomorrow then set up camp for two days at the nearby Emerald Casino and Safari Resort.

Like the Australian squad, it looks very good on paper.