Symonds earns star-status in Johannesburg
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Australia captain Ricky Ponting said Andrew Symonds had finally shown what he was capable of with his match-winning display against Pakistan.
Symonds smashed an unbeaten 143 to lead the world champions to an 82-run victory in their World Cup opener in Johannesburg.
It was the 27-year-old all-rounder's first one-day international century and rescued Australia from a precarious situation.
"Everyone's seen today what sort of a talent he's got and it's about time it started coming out," said Ponting afterwards.
Rocked by the news star leg-spinner Shane Warne was being sent home after failing a drug test, Australia were sent reeling at 86 for four early on.
But Birmingham-born Symonds stepped in to help guide the tournament favourites to an imposing 310 for eight.
He then went on to cap his display with a fine diving catch to remove Yousuf Youhana as Pakistan made only 228 in reply.
"We were in a spot of bother and it was tough work early on but we got through that and then had a couple of good partnerships," said the skipper, who has been a strong supporter of Symonds for some time.
"Both sides did well with the new ball and Andrew Symonds batted beautifully."
Symonds, a player whose inconsistent career had barely justified his selection, was naturally delighted with his century-making performance.
"It was nice to get one under the belt and hopefully it won't be the last," he said.
Symonds hit 18 fours and two sixes on his way to the landmark total.
After he and Ponting added 60 for the fifth wicket to get the innings back on track, Symonds went into over-drive.
He passed 50 in 60 balls, he then reached his hundred from only 32 more deliveries, driving powerfully through the off-side.
In the closing overs, he passed the previous highest score by an Australian in World Cup cricket - 130 made by Mark Waugh
against Kenya in 1996.
Ponting hopes Symonds' talent continues to shine as the Australia attempt to defend their World Cup title in South Africa.
"Hopefully it should come out even more in the next few weeks."
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Andrew Symonds batted beautifully
