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Ricky Ponting refuses to accept Australia’s recent dip in form has opened up the World Cup. The defending champions lost five One-day Internationals in a row prior to travelling to the Caribbean, having been beaten in both Commonwealth Bank Series finals and whitewashed 3-0 by New Zealand last month.

But Australia captain Ponting does not view this as any different to the past two tournaments in South Africa and England, each won by Australia.

“I don’t see how this one is any more open than any other,” he said. “I don’t think those results really mattered too much considering we are coming into a World Cup.

“There are knockout stages and it is about getting through. There are a lot of good teams here but there are in any other World Cup.”

England upset the odds at the end of a disappointing Ashes tour while New Zealand took advantage of injury problems to condemn further misery on Australia.

Australia open their campaign against Scotland on Wednesday (today) in the unusual position of not being the best team on the planet, according to official rankings at least.

“We are ranked second in the world but we are probably favourites to win this event,” said Ponting, referring to South Africa’s ascent. “I know our team doesn’t pay any attention to the table whatsoever.

“For some, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have been lucky — this is my fourth — so I know what it’s like to win a World Cup.”

Source:The News