28 Feb 2015

Black Caps fielding unchanged XI

2:03 pm on 28 February 2015

In their fourth consecutive match at the cricket World Cup, the Black Caps are fielding an unchanged starting 11 to play Australia at Eden Park on Saturday.

Brendon McCullum (c)

Corey Anderson

Trent Boult

Grant Elliott

Martin Guptill

Adam Milne

Luke Ronchi (wk)

Tim Southee

Ross Taylor

Daniel Vettori

Kane Williamson

Australia has won the toss and chosen to bat, a decision considered an advantage in day-night fixtures in Australasia as evening dew can dampen the pitch and make bounce variable.

However, the Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum says he would have opted to bowl first anyway given the result of previous matches at Eden Park.

On Friday, McCullum played down the impact the result of the match against Australia will have saying it won't affect New Zealand's title prospects.

Brendon McCullum during a press conference at Eden Park.

Brendon McCullum during a press conference at Eden Park. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has declared New Zealand favourites for the match despite Australia being ranked world number one.

McCullum, however, says the favourites tag is irrelevant.

He says while a win over Australia would be a major confidence boost he says a loss will have little impact on their World Cup hopes.

The captain says there's still a long way to go in the tournament with more pressure games to come.

He's also rubbished rumours that the return of Michael Clarke to the Australian side will be divisive.

Saturday's match will be Clarke's first for Australia after a two month injury layoff.

Michael Clarke during a press conference at Eden Park.

Michael Clarke during a press conference at Eden Park. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

There's been on going speculation about disquiet in the Australia side of his return with suggestions Steve Smith should stay on as captain.

But McCullum says it's obvious Clarke is their leader.