Victory first, batting practice second for Australia

Captains are used to juggling priorities, but Michael Clarke will have a few extra things on his mind at Bellerive Oval on Saturday. Australia's last pool match against Scotland should be a comfortable victory for Clarke's men: Scotland are yet to win a World Cup game in their 16-year history at the tournament, and have lost their past three ODIs against Australia by an average of 197 runs.

But there is more at play in this game than the gulf between the two sides. There are several members of Australia's XI who could use some extra time at the crease after an interrupted tournament, notably Clarke himself, Shane Watson and James Faulkner. The batting order may therefore be reworked. Most importantly, Australia must win to avoid finishing third or fourth in Pool A.

"Must win" is different to "must not lose". The cold, hard facts in cold, hard Tasmania are that for the Australians, a wash-out on Saturday would be as disastrous as a loss. Australia sit one point behind Sri Lanka, who have already played their last game. Shared points with Scotland would mean Australia and Sri Lanka were level on points, and Australia's net run-rate is vastly superior.

But net run-rate would mean nothing. Number of wins is the first criteria for separating teams, so Australia's three wins and two wash-outs would be considered inferior to Sri Lanka's four victories. If that were to happen, Australia would finish third and play South Africa, or even fourth and play India (if Bangladesh upset New Zealand), rather than second and face Pakistan or Ireland.

That in turn could lead to a semi-final against New Zealand at Eden Park instead of hosting another team at the SCG. All of which is to say this is still a critical match for Australia. And the forecast for Saturday - 60% chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening - will be in the thoughts of the Australians; bowling first might give them extra insurance if the rain comes late.

"If we win, then we've got everything we need," Clarke said. "I think that's our priority ... It would be great for a few guys to get a hit, but it's about winning, first and foremost, that's our priority. I think there's a bit of weather around on the forecast, a bit of rain tomorrow afternoon, so we'll have to assess that at the start of the game.

"The key is to win. Whatever we feel is the best way of winning, that'll be our goal tomorrow. We've got plenty of people who can look at the forecast and speak to the curators, but whatever way we feel will give us the best chance of winning, that'll be the goal tomorrow."

Australia have confirmed one change from the side that beat Sri Lanka in Sydney last weekend, with Pat Cummins set to return at the expense of spinner Xavier Doherty. However, if the opportunity arises and it does not compromise their hopes of victory, there might also be some tweaks to the batting order against Scotland.

Clarke missed the start of the tournament as he completed his recovery from a hamstring injury and has batted only twice, facing 86 balls in total. Faulkner also returned midway through the campaign due to injury and has faced only seven deliveries in two innings. And Watson, who started at No. 3, was dropped, and then restored at No. 6, has batted three times for 72 balls at the crease.

"I'll have a think about it overnight," Clarke said of the batting order. "Obviously I need another hit. I think Shane Watson needs another hit, and James Faulkner hasn't really had a bat in this tournament either. There's probably three players that certainly need a bat. I'll assess tonight and make a plan, speak to a few of the guys and get their guidance and advice."

Watson impressed with the bat during his return against Sri Lanka, when he lashed 67 off 41 deliveries coming in at No. 6, while the new No. 5 Glenn Maxwell scored the first hundred of his ODI career. However, Clarke said that batting order had been changed as the innings unfolded.

"Watto was down to bat five last week and we made that change during the game to send Maxwell in early," Clarke said. "Obviously Steve Smith grabbed his opportunity [at No. 3] with both hands a couple of games ago. I think the order will be a little bit different tomorrow as well, trying to give guys a hit in preparation for our quarter-final."

Clarke looked fit at training at Bellerive Oval on Friday after he took it easy during Thursday's session. He insisted that he was "100% fit" and the lighter duties had been part of his planned programme as Australia look at how best to manage Clarke not only in this tournament, but also ahead to the Test tour of the West Indies in June, and the Ashes trip that follows.

"We've looked at my schedule going forward, up to the West Indies to be honest, so a lot of things have been put in place," Clarke said. "Yesterday was another opportunity to make sure I recover as well as I possibly can for not only this game but getting ready for the quarter-final."