Cricket-Australia take nothing for granted now against Dutch

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, Mar 18 (Reuters) World champions Australia tune up for their final World Cup Group A match against South Africa in an outwardly undemanding match against the Netherlands at Warner Park today.

But vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, speaking Yesterday as Bangladesh were on their way to defeating India and Ireland were about to upset Pakistan was careful to hedge his bets.

''No result is a given,'' he told reporters. ''We will be aware of that, it's not a foregone conclusion but we would be disappointed to lose.

''Looking at what's happening today, it's keeping everybody honest.'' Australia beat Scotland by 203 runs on Wednesday.

BRAVE WORDS The defending champions should have little trouble against the Netherlands before next Saturday's group finale against South Africa, despite the brave words from captain Luuk van Troost before the tournament began.

''There's no pressure at all for us,'' he told a news conference. ''If you don't give yourself a chance then it's no use coming to this tournament.'' But Van Troost also said he expected bowling to be the Dutch strength, a prediction which came back to haunt him after South African thumped 353 for three from 40 overs en route to a 221-run win.

Included in that were six sixes in an over struck by Herschelle Gibbs off Daan van Bunge.

England, who lost to New Zealand by six wickets on Friday in Group C, meet Canada in the day's other match.

Their preparations were upset yesterday when several of the team were fined for breaching discipline by staying out too late the night before following their reverse to the Kiwis.

England coach Duncan Fletcher did not allude to the episode during a news conference. No names were given in a team statement.

''Everything is not lost yet. We have lost before and come back strongly. They have showed a lot of character before and hopefully they'll do it again,'' Fletcher said.

Captain Michael Vaughan survived the whole game against New Zealand after recovering from knee and hamstring trouble and is confident he should be fit for the remainder of the World Cup.

The seven-week long World Cup culminates in the Barbados final on April 28.

REUTERS SAM VV1443