Ponting has made two single figure scores in the warm-up games

"It was a good solid warm-up and a good result for us," he said. "After not a great start we clawed it back.

"At one stage it looked as if they were going to make a big total but our slower bowlers took over, then Gilchrist and Watson set things up.

"It has definitely been a worthwhile outing here."

Ponting suffered another failure with the bat, having made only two against Zimbabwe in the first warm-up match.

But he was delighted to see Shane Watson find form at the top of the order in St Vincent and admitted it would be interesting to see who would open when Matthew Hayden returned to fitness.

"Hayden hit 180 in his last match [against New Zealand] so he is hard to leave out!" Ponting said. "It will be difficult for the selectors but it is a good situation.

"Watson can bat anywhere but I think he is suited to the new ball with his cuts and pulls."

The captain admitted that the placid pitches were likely to force teams to vary the pace of their bowling attacks as the World Cup unfolds.

The express-paced Tait dismissed Ed Joyce in his opening over

"There is no doubt slow bowlers will have an influence in the tournament," he said. "We have a few slow bowling options and good flexibility."

But Ponting was also aware of the value of paceman Shaun Tait, who stunned Ed Joyce with a 90mph-plus full-length delivery and took 4-33.

"I sat down and had a bit of chat with Shaun about how he can be best used," Ponting said.

"He showed everybody just how effective he can be.

"If he gets everything right and bowls the way he can bowl he's not only a wicket-taker but a very good container throughout the middle of the innings."

Tait, who has played only four one-day internationals, bowled seven wides but was pleased to turn his pace bowling promise into a major haul against England.

"To take 'four for' was probably just what I needed," the 24-year-old said.

"I've been a little bit disappointed with some of the games I've played for Australia in the last few weeks but here I was quite happy. Whether I am the spearhead is another story.

"One of my strengths is swinging it with the new ball and I suppose Ricky wants me to open up at the start and jag a wicket. If I can do that, I've done my job."