Cricket Worldcup 2015: Auckland rain dampens Australia`s mood

Auckland: 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.

"Don`t look out of the window," said Clarke, when asked for his plans on his return to the team after missing the opening win over England on February 14 due to his long-standing hamstring problem.

"There is rain but the forecast is very good for tomorrow, so hopefully the rain stays away as this is a big game for both the teams as well as the fans," said Clarke.

Australia`s second Pool A match against Bangladesh last weekend was abandoned without a ball being bowled and with both sides earning a point apiece.

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

Saturday`s match is a sell out with 40,000 fans expected to turn out for a game which will have a major bearing on who will top the group.

The top four from each of the two pools of seven teams will qualify for the quarter-finals.