One of the World Cup’s biggest games pits high-flying New Zealand against four-time champion Australia at Eden Park here on Saturday in a match that could well be a dress rehearsal for the final.
New Zealand has been a team on the roll, having notched up three consecutive victories so far to be unbeaten and perched at the top of the points table.
Clarke to replace Bailey Australia captain Michael Clarke is short of match practice following a hamstring operation, with his planned comeback dashed by the rain that drenched Brisbane’s Gabba ground.
Australia will take heart from its impressive record of 11 wins out of 16 at Eden Park, including four of the last five.
Meanwhile, heavy rain drenched Auckland on Friday, dampening Australia’s mood.
Showers hit Eden Park as soon as the Australians arrived for practice, but the forecast for match-day is fine.
The teams (from): New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt.), Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Luke Ronchi (wk), Ross Taylor.
Australia: Michael Clarke (capt.), George Bailey, David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wkt), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty.
