Batting practice for Australians

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, Feb 4 AAP - It was lower than low-key.

With about 100 quiet spectators dotted around the ground, Australia started its World Cup journey today by making 9-280 in a 50-overs-a-side practice match against the North West Dragons, a provincial side with limited firepower.

The captains didn't even toss, Ricky Ponting's side allowed to bat first upon request. Both teams named 14 players. Any number permitted to bat or bowl.

Jimmy Maher opened with Adam Gilchrist but lasted only 13 balls, driving on the rise to be caught at point for five.

Gilchrist and Ponting then settled nicely into their work, hitting crisp boundaries and occasionally lofting over the in-field.

The pitch was slow and so was the mood early. A large 500-seat temporary grandstand erected on the hill was empty despite the weather being warm and perfect.

Gilchrist purred to 27 from 37 balls but bunted a catch to short mid-wicket, then Ponting fell cutting for 21 from 34 balls.

Australia was 3-60 and appeared in some danger of repeating South Africa's warm-up loss. That danger was quickly averted.

Damien Martyn hit the ball sweetly from the start while Darren Lehmann, who must miss Australia's opening World Cup match because of suspension, gave himself time to get his eye in. He blossomed when left-arm offspinner Ronald Siwane was introduced to the attack, caressing four fours in an over, taking Australia to 3-100 off 126 balls.

Lehmann retired on 63 from 68 balls, which included six fours and a six. He and Martyn, falling to a pull that popped up from the toe of his bat, put on 106 in 118 balls.

Allrounders Brad Hogg and Andrew Symonds, both contenders for Australia's first match against Pakistan at Hohannesburg on February 11, batted together with Hogg looking more impressive.

Symonds was caught in the deep for 21 from 20 balls. Hogg chopped a pull shot onto his stumps for 31 off 34. Australia's more than handy No.8, Matthew Hayden, came in late to make a tidy 18 from four fewer deliveries.