Rain following Australia

Heavy rain drenched Auckland on Friday, dampening Australia's mood just 24 hours before their crucial World Cup showdown against New Zealand and a week after torrential downpours wiped out their clash with Bangladesh in Brisbane.

Showers hit Eden Park as soon as the Australians arrived for practice, but skipper Michael Clarke said he was hopeful the game would go ahead uninterrupted on Saturday.

The forecast for match-day is fine with morning cloud and the odd afternoon shower.

Australia are third in the group with three points, three behind leaders New Zealand.