Australia shaping up for Trophy tilt

Ricky Ponting outlines Australia's Champions Trophy ambitions following NatWest Series success in England

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Australia captain Ricky Ponting stressed his team’s defeat of England in the recent NatWest Series was geared towards Champions Trophy success.

Australia's lust for silverware, which has seen them claim the last three global 50-over events, means they had their focus on this prize throughout their 6-1 victory in England.

“This certainly won't be just another tournament for us,” said Ponting. “We have been on the road for a long time but this is the second biggest one-day tournament you play for your country in one-day cricket.

“We have had an eye on this tournament for the last couple of weeks in England. Since the Ashes series it's been about getting things on track for here.

“It shouldn't be too difficult for us to adapt. One of the positives of being away for so long is that we have been playing a lot of cricket - and a lot of good one-day cricket.

“We are playing as good as any other team going around at the moment. The level of cricket we played in England over the last seven games was particularly good.”

Australia's first match in Group A will be on Saturday against a West Indies team shorn of its premier players due to a contractual dispute with their board.

While West Indian cricket is in disarray, however, Ponting reckons there is a feelgood factor among his men despite an up and down year, including the 2-1 Test series loss to England.

“The mood for the last few months has been particularly good,” Ponting said. “The mood and fun we had through the Ashes tour was something special to be involved in.”