Australia were ready to step up a gear in their second ICC World Twenty20 warm-up match against New Zealand.

Australia were today ready to step up a gear in their second ICC World Twenty20 warm-up match against New Zealand.

Ricky Ponting's men travelled south from Trent Bridge last night with a comfortable 38-run verdict over Bangladesh under their belts.

Man-of-the-match Shane Watson (52) conceded the Kiwis may pose more questions at The Oval this evening - but he was encouraged too by Australia's initial performance.

"I think they [New Zealand] will probably put us under a little bit more pressure again - it's going to be another step up," Watson predicted, against opponents who yesterday began their campaign with a nine-run win over champions India at Lord's.

"The intensity will be up."

Watson, whose runs at the top of the order in a century opening stand with Brad Haddin put the pressure on Bangladesh, is nonetheless well aware Australia cannot afford to be off the pace as they prepare for this competition to start in earnest.

"We are in a very strong group - and we're going to have to be at our absolute best at the start of the tournament to make sure we qualify for the next round," he added.

Watson himself is looking forward not just to the Twenty20 challenge but also the Ashes which follow, having been named in Australia's squad for that main event too.

"I haven't been to England for four years. But I absolutely loved my time here then, so to be part of the Twenty20 and the Ashes is a very exciting time for me," he added.

He will be joined in both assignments by fast bowler Brett Lee, who showed yesterday he is on his way back from his foot injury.

"Brett seems to me like he's starting to find his feet," Watson said.

"I know from my experience it does take a little while getting back to pace (after injury). It can take a month or so to get your body back used to doing what you want to do.

"Brett's in that phase at the moment. He looks really strong - and he's hitting the crease really hard. His best is only just around the corner.

"His pace will only get better the more he bowls. He's getting more confident with his foot and with his body - with each bowl he gets under his belt."

Australia's victory over Bangladesh, which was followed by South Africa's saunter to a 59-run verdict against misfiring Pakistan, has not diminished beaten captain Mohammad Ashraful's confidence that his team can cause some shocks over the next three weeks.

"If we play good cricket, I think we can win against India," said Ashraful, looking forward to his team's opening match in the tournament proper at Trent Bridge on Saturday evening.

Bangladesh were set to take on Sri Lanka at the same venue - a hors d'oeuvre for England's own warm-up fixture against Scotland later on.

South Africa take on Sri Lanka at Lord's tomorrow.

By then, Pakistan will need to be back on their mettle at The Oval, where they take on India - the team who beat them in the 2007 final of this competition in South Africa.