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Australia's 2007 World Cup got off to a flying start today following Scotland's decision to insert Ponting's men in to bat on a good batting strip. Match Scorecard

Hayden who had recovered remarkably quickly from a broken toe opened the batting with vice-captain Adam Gilchrist who is playing in his last World Cup. The pair, as they have done on numerous occasions gave Australia a decent foundation worth 91 runs before Gilchrist was adjudged leg before by Brown in the 17th over for 46.

Scotland bowled well and despite some adventurous batting from Gilchrist and Hayden it never looked like getting away from them in the early stages. However when Ponting entered the game swung further away from Scotland despite Ponting being dropped on 23. The captain went on to score a better than run a ball century that included some magnificent shots, clearly a man in form and rightly the world's number one batsman.

Ponting's fourth World Cup century, his 23rd One Day International landmark helped the world Champions move closer to the 300 ark despite wickets falling at the other end in Hayden, Clarke and Hodge.

Punter finally went after hitting five sixes but it wasn't until Hogg entered did Australia really hit out. Hogg, in as the number one spinner hit out as if his life depended on it with a quick fire 40 off just 15 deliveries. The partnership between Watson and Hogg saw Australia reach an impregnable total of 6 for 334, for once confident that their opponents for once in recent times wouldn't be able to chase down 300 runs!

Scotland had no answer to Australia's quicks and never looked like making a game of it to be fair. The batting was dour and boring and devoid of any attacking flair. Before long the required run rate had reach 10 an over and the game was all but lost.

McGrath pitched in with three wickets in a terrific spell and was indeed the pick of the bowlers. Tait who was expensive in comparison was there for his speed and he took two wickets in his two short spells. Hogg looked dangerous on a pitch that offered little for the spinners and his wrong-un often bemused the inexperienced batsmen. Ponting turned to Brad Hodge and gave the part timer five overs in which he took his first World Cup wicket in a good spell.

Michael Clarke who will no doubt be used in the tournament wasn't given a bowl but the signs are looking good for Australia however they are yet to severely challenged, that will come when they face South Africa in the final group game.

Colin Smith's half century was Scotland's second in World Cup history and together with Dougie brown dragged Scotland from 5 for 42 in a 47 run partnership.