Tait gains confidence from Ponting, McGrath backing

Fast bowler Shaun Tait said today that he now feels more relaxed about his place in the Australia World Cup team and that new-found contentment is making his opponents' lives a nightmare.

He believes his three for 41 in the Super Eights match against England on Sunday was the best he has bowled yet and attributed the improvement to his practice with a new ball.

Tait, who will be steaming in against Ireland's predominantly amateur players on Friday in Barbados, also believes his bowling has been helped by how he has been allowed to express himself without selection anxieties affecting him.

''When it's in your mind that you know you're going to play the games it gives you a lot more confidence,'' Tait told reporters.

''It helps you settle down and you feel part of the team a lot more.

REGULAR FIXTURE ''When you're a young player it can be quite hard sometimes in your own mind. The players welcome you but in your own mind you're worrying about settling in and becoming a regular fixture in the team.

''But this tournament has been perfect, I'm having a great time,'' Tait added. ''A lot of that has come from the captain (Ricky Ponting) because he has helped me relax and told me not to worry about wides or anything like that and to just enjoy it.'' Australia are almost assured of a semi-final appearance as they share top place in the Super Eights standings with Zealand, who are leading courtesy of a superior net run rate, but both have won all their games so far.

Tait said he is cherishing the experience of playing with veteran pace bowler Glenn McGrath, who retires from cricket after the tournament. McGrath, 37, has 370 wickets from his 245 one-day games, compared with Tait's 16.

''Glenn just thinks of himself as a player in the side and doesn't want to go around telling people how to bowl,'' Tait said.

''But I listen to him a lot and a word here and there helps me out, with my bowling and confidence.'' The final of the seven-week tournament is on April 28 in Barbados.

REUTERS PDS PM0249

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