Defending champions Australia have been given the day off training following their massive 203-run win over Scotland in their opening World Cup Group A match at Warner Park.

Injured all-rounder Andrew Symonds is making a late bid for selection for Sunday's Group A clash with the Netherlands, although team physio Alex Kountouris says the Queenslander's recovery to full fitness after last month's bicep surgery has to be done step by step.

"The rehab program is based on healing time, knowing that he's had a screw inserted and we know that it takes a certain amount of time for everything to gel up and be strong," he said.

"(He has) rolled his arm over with some off-spin, but it was very, very gentle.

"The realistic game is South Africa (on March 24)." Skipper Ricky Ponting said after the Scotland game: "He actually told me on the bus this morning that he was ready to play today.

"But if you know what Symmo is like, he would play with one arm if he could."

Ponting, who moved to second on the all-time list of World Cup run scorers with his brilliant 113 in Australia's 6-334 against the cricketing minnows, was pleased with his side's performance, especially veteran paceman Glenn McGrath's 3-14.

Ponting says McGrath, who struck in his first over after being overlooked for the new ball behind Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken, will regain his opening role throughout the March 13-April 28 tournament depending on pitch conditions.

"As the tournament goes on, with the 9.30 starts we are going to have, if there happens to be something with a little bit of moisture in it then he'll probably take the new ball again because he'll be very dangerous," Ponting says.

McGrath's three wickets lift him to 48 in the World Cup, seven behind overall leader Wasim Akram of Pakistan.

McGrath, 37, is already a two-time World Cup winner along with current squad members Ponting and Adam Gilchrist. McGrath will retire after the tournament.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP