Australia skipper Michael Clarke (in pic) pledged no mercy on crisis-hit Scotland as the four-time World Cup champions seek a headline-grabbing performance ahead of a potential quarterfinal 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 Pakistan should Misbah-ul-Haq’s side beat Ireland on Sunday.
Fast bowler Pat Cummins will replace Xavier Doherty on Saturday. Australia will have little to fear from a Scotland side who have lost all five games at the World Cup so far and the build-up to their last game has been overshadowed by the banishment of Majid Haq who was dropped against Sri lanka after he posted a racial tweet.