No mercy on OZ minds
Australia skipper Michael Clarke pledged no mercy on crisis-hit Scotland as the four-time World Cup champions seek a headline-grabbing performance ahead of a potential quarterfinal collision with Pakistan.
Australia have already made sure of their spot in the next stage after last weekend's 64-run win over fellow title contenders Sri Lanka where they piled up 376-9.
That followed their World Cup record score of 417-6 to rout Afghanistan by 275 runs.
Victory against Pool A's rock-bottom Scotland on Saturday will ensure the runners-up spot behind New Zealand and a possible last-eight clash in Adelaide on March 20 against old adversaries Pakistan should Misbahul Haq's side beat Ireland on Sunday.
The only selection issue appears to still revolve around Shane Watson who was dropped for the Afghanistan match but restored to the line-up for the win over Sri Lanka in Sydney.
He certainly responded with a fine innings of 67.
"The way Shane played the other day was fantastic. I think he sort of adopted that approach where he knew he could come in and play his game," said opening batsman David Warner.
Australia will have little to fear from a Scotland side who have still to win a World Cup match in three appearances.
The two sides have met four times with Australia winning by six wickets in 1999, 203 runs in 2007, 189 runs in 2005 and 200 runs in 2013.
Finch will be optimistic of similar carnage on Saturday on the Bellerive Oval's compact boundaries although Scotland would have breathed a sigh of relief when Marsh wasn't selected.
Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson took 4-36 that day as the Scots were dismissed for 162.
"We've just got to back ourselves. They're the same as everyone else. They run up and try and get you out," said Scotland opener Kyle Coetzer.
Comments