Cricket World Cup 2015: Gabba washout leaves Australia well short of match practice

MICHAEL Clarke is set to make his comeback in the crunch clash against New Zealand next Saturday in what will be Australia’s first match in two weeks.

Australia's Michael Clarke smiles as he waits in the grandstand ahead of their Cricket World Cup match against Bangladesh being abandoned due to weather in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

CYCLONE Marcia ruined selectors’ plans to bring Michael Clarke back against a minnow nation, but Australia is confident the captain’s hamstring has been fortified to handle the extra intensity of now returning against a flying New Zealand.

Head of team performance Pat Howard admitted best-laid plans had been dashed by the weather, which forced Australia’s clash against Bangladesh at the Gabba to be abandoned.

But Howard said Clarke had gone above and beyond in ensuring his injury recovery goes as smoothly as possible, even if it now will come in the cauldron of Eden Park.

The Black Caps are the form team of the tournament having decimated Sri Lanka, Scotland and England so far, and Australia will now go into the crunch match that will likely decide Pool A having not played a match in two weeks.

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Michael Clarke (R) and Darren Lehmann share a words at Aussie training. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

With the winner of Pool A likely to face minnows Ireland in a quarter-final, there’s plenty to play for - and Australia is under the pump after splitting the points with Bangladesh.

The wash-out is far from ideal, but as far as Clarke’s concerned, CA is confident he’s well prepared.

“I guess we’re lucky to a certain extent that he’s had some game exposure through the Bangladesh versus CA XI game here at Allan Border Field, and then the UAE (warm-up) game,” Howard said.

“Best laid plans (dashed), that’s fine.

“In the end, he’s done everything asked of him and worked his backside off.

“I commend the physio staff as well. They did a great job, they all worked really hard.

“He was available, he was picked in this (Bangladesh) game and I think we’re back to business as usual.

“We can’t control the weather but we look forward to next week now and deal with everything as we come.

“Apart from James Faulkner, we have 14 guys fit and ready to go and the selection panel are really happy with that squad.”

Faulkner (R) and Clarke ran the drinks for Australia at the MCG last weekend.

All-rounder Faulkner has returned to bowling in the nets from his side-strain and is building towards a comeback at some stage during the World Cup.

It was hoped he may be fit to take on New Zealand in Eden Park, although if that was to happen it might most likely have to be as a batsman exclusively.

Faulkner was only bowling at half pace in the nets and needs plenty more miles in the legs.

Meanwhile, Howard has played down the prospect of several Australian players retiring from one-day cricket after the World Cup, including Clarke.

Howard says no discussions have taken part with any players, with all focus on clinching the World Cup crown.