The International Cricket Council confirmed yesterday that it will review security concerns raised by the England team about playing their cup match in Zimbabwe.
The England team decided on Sunday to delay any decision over whether to play their match in Harare on Thursday, after England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tim Lamb said they had received new information that needed examining.
He added that "this information has confirmed the concerns of the ECB".
The ICC said yesterday that it handed the ECB's security concerns to a high-ranking South African police officer to review.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting has reaffirmed his team's commitment to play their match in Bulawayo on February 24.
Golden glitter
Cup captains are performing the toss with a single-ounce, 24-carat gold medallion, and the player of the match will receive a gold watch.
The South African gold-mining industry has produced 54 such medallions, one for each game in the six-week tournament. The medallions for the toss feature South African president Thabo Mbeki's head on one side and the cup logo on the other.
Bowlers' game
Bowlers are likely to call the shots when Australia open the defence of their cup title with a potentially explosive clash against Pakistan in Johannesburg tonight.
Pakistan boast the two leading wicket-takers in Wasim Akram and skipper Waqar Younis, backed by the tearaway Shoaib Akhtar and seasoned off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Australia have a high-quality new ball attack of Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee, followed by legspin legend Shane Warne.
Australia have left out key batsman Michael Bevan, who is recovering from a groin injury, and Pakistan's outstanding opener Saeed Anwar is in doubt with an arm injury.
World Cup schedule
Points table
<i>Quick singles:</i> ICC to study concerns
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