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Waugh Twins Help Aussies

Visakhapatnam, India, Feb 23- Twins Mark and Steve Waugh made sure Australia won their opening battle in the World Cup on Friday but there was a worrying name on the casualty list following their 97-run group A victory over Kenya.

Paceman Craig McDermott tore a calf muscle and was forced off the field after bowling just three overs as Kenya began their vain pursuit of Australia's distant total of 304 for seven in 50 overs.

The Queenslander is extremely doubtful for his side's remaining three group matches and may even be ruled out of the tournament, casting a shadow over a record third-wicket stand between Mark and Steve Waugh which hauled Australia out of early trouble.

The pair put on 207 in 33 overs, surpassing the previous highest World Cup partnership for any wicket of 195, set by Gordon Greenidge and Larry Gomes for West Indies against Zimbabwe at Worcester, England, in 1983.

Mark Waugh contributed a high-class 130 in as many balls, while his elder brother hit 82 off 88 deliveries, having arrived at the crease with his team wobbling on 26 for two.

Skipper Mark Taylor and Ricky Ponting were both sent packing to the pavilion inside the first eight overs as Kenya's opening attack justified captain Maurice Odumbe's decision to field first.

The Waughs quickly punctured the mood of African optimism, although excellent innings from Kennedy Otieno and Odumbe reaffirmed Kenya's status as the most dangerous of the non-test playing nations.