Bridgetown: Ireland had another eye-opening experience in their first World Cup — facing the blazing pace of Australia’s Shaun Tait.

“We’ve never faced anyone bowling at the speed of 150 kilometres per hour (93 mph), it was a different experience from what we’re accustomed to,” said Ireland captain Trent Johnston, whose team was bundled out for 91 in 30 overs Friday.

Australia then blasted 92 in 12.2 overs for the loss of opener Adam Gilchrist to post their seventh successive win in this World Cup.

“We were outclassed by a superior team,” Johnston said. “We went out to set ourselves to be competitive, but it didn’t work out against a team that’s been the best in the world for 10 years.

“Our top order didn’t come to the party. If the top four batsmen get two runs between them we're always going to struggle. We finished with the ninth worst World Cup total — we were ticking off the scores sitting in the dressing room.”

Still, Johnston looked for the silver lining. “I hope the batsmen would have learnt something from this exposure to Tait’s speed, which was backed by top-class pace bowlers Glenn McGrath and Stuart Clark,” said Johnson, reminding his batsmen that they would soon have to face Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga.

“People said we’ll struggle against fast bowling, but I think we faced quick bowling quite well until today,” he said.

Johnston said Ireland needs more exposure to top international competition.

“We still have one-day International status for two years, the Irish team needs more exposure, possibly high-level games against top teams,” he said.

Adrian Birrell, Ireland’s South African coach, said his team had taken a “bruising” and had been “ruthlessly put away by Australia”.

Ireland, now eliminated, must raise their game and their spirits before they face Bangladesh on Sunday.