Hayden expected to return for Scotland game

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, Mar 10 (Reuters) Australia opener Matthew Hayden is expected to play in the world champions' opening World Cup Group A match against Scotland next Wednesday after breaking a bone in his right foot against New Zealand last month.

Asked yesterday if he thought Hayden would be fit for the Scotland match, captain Ricky Ponting replied: ''I think so. He's done a lot of work in the last week.

''He's done a lot of batting, he batted for an hour and half today. I think right at the moment he will be on track to play that game.'' Ponting was speaking after Australia completed a five-wicket win over England in their final warm-up match. In Hayden's absence, Adam Gilchrist (72) and Shane Watson (55) put on 140 for the first wicket.

Reuters DKS VP0416