Cricket World Cup Australia and New Zealand prepare for World Cup clash

Eager Australia captain Michael Clarke feels his fittest in five years and is praying for clear skies over Auckland for the World Cup clash against fellow co-hosts New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday (February 28).

On the comeback from hamstring surgery, Clarke was denied his scheduled return against Bangladesh in Brisbane last week when the match was washed out.

The rain was also lashing down at Eden Park when Clarke faced the media on the eve of the New Zealand clash, though the clouds did clear to bathe the ground in sunshine and the forecast is for more sun on Saturday.

Clarke's said he is expecting a tough match.

"I can't remember an easy game against New Zealand whether you play them in Australia or play them over here, they're really tough opposition. It's a local derby for Australia and New Zealand, that rivalry that I know both teams really enjoy in all sports. I think both teams have the utmost respect for each other as well and hopefully we can put on a really good entertaining show tomorrow for the full house that comes out and the people that are watching back in Australia."

Clarke will have a tough reinstatement against in-form New Zealand, who have won all three of their World Cup matches and will be roared on by an expected sell-out crowd.

Clarke's return from injury is not an issue according to New Zealand's captain Brendon McCullum who said the Australian team all pose a challenge.

"We've spent a lot of time on all of their players. If you look at their order they've got match winners right throughout their line-up and they all present different challenges in their own right. We haven't focused more on one person than the rest," McCullum said.

McCullum has won his own admirers after guiding New Zealand through three straight wins at the World Cup and blasting an astonishing 77 from 25 balls to help thrash England in their last match.
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