The greatest threat to an Australian victory over Scotland is forecast rain.
The two teams will meet at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on Saturday for their last World Cup Pool A match, where the powerhouse hosts are clear favourites to overcome the winless Scots.
But with overcast conditions including a 60 per cent chance of rain throughout the afternoon and evening, it might be external factors that determine Saturday’s result.
“There’s forecast a bit of rain (forecast), so we will assess that at the start of the game,” Aussie skipper Michael Clarke said.
If rained out, Australia would finish third in the group, with three wins, a loss and two washouts, after their February 21 match against Afghanistan at the Gabba was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Asked if it would be Australia’s preference to bat or bowl first at Bellerive in the case of rain, Clarke left his options open.
“We’ve got plenty of people who can look at the forecast and speak to the curators, but whatever way we feel gives us the best chance of winning, that will be the go,” he said.
Fast bowler Pat Cummins is in the XI at the expense of spinner Xavier Doherty.
Regardless of Saturday’s result, Australia will have a March 20 quarter-final appearance at Adelaide Oval with their opponents to be decided during Sunday’s clash between Pakistan and Ireland.
With five losses from as many matches during their World Cup campaign, Scotland captain Preston Mommsen said his men are looking forward to finishing with a challenge against Australia.
“(It is) obviously a very exciting game for us to play against a world champion side, so something we as a group are very much looking forward to,” he said.
Play starts at 2.30pm (AEDT).