'Ponting believes attack could be his best option'

"Australia is emerging as the most aggressive of the sides taking part in the 2011 World Cup," writes Peter Roebuck in the Sydney Morning Herald. "As a rule, cricket salutes the team prepared to take risks in an attempt to grab the initiative. Recognising the predilection, and determined to play the game they know, the Aussies have decided to charge and may the devil take the hindmost."

Including Shaun Tait was a gamble. No bowler in the tournament can be as wayward. On his bad days the Croweater sends the ball spearing down the leg-side with a frequency inappropriate in this company. But he can change the course of an innings and the Australians are willing to invest in that. So far, too, the express merchants have been unexpectedly effective, taking hat-tricks and generally having the impact of a bugle on a dozing dormitory.