Idle Aussies must gear up for Eden Park clash

The abandonment of today’s World Cup match between Australia and Bangladesh means next weekend’s anticipated blockbuster in Auckland assumes even greater significance.

Both teams left the Gabba this evening with a championship point apiece after the 68mm of rain that fell on Brisbane from 9am today finally put paid to any hopes of play getting underway and the match was abandoned at 4.45pm without a ball bowled.

While the weather, the offshoot of the violent tropical cyclone Marcia that lashed the Capricorn Coast yesterday, left cricket fans in the Sunshine State disappointed it also caused some potential consternation within the Australia camp.

While aware of Bangladesh’s capacity to inflict an upset, the hosts would have banked on taking the points at a ground where they’ve not been beaten in a Test match since 1988 and where their fast bowlers have traditionally dined out.

But the decision that rain was the winner and the points would be shared means Michael Clarke’s team head across the Tasman tomorrow to prepare for a showdown with the tournament’s form team, New Zealand, with just one competitive match under their belts in two weeks.

It will also mean Clarke’s long-awaited return from a two-month injury lay-off will come a week later than planned in the most competitive group match Australia is likely to face.

The hugely anticipated day-night match at Eden Park next Saturday will effectively decide which team finishes on top of Pool A and therefore has the most straightforward path into the knockout round, with a potential quarter-final meeting with Pakistan, Zimbabwe or Ireland.

By contrast, the team that finishes second in Pool A could find themselves tackling the West Indies, reigning champions India or even early favourites South Africa to win through to the final week of the tournament.

Today’s non-result in Brisbane also potentially adds additional spice to Bangladesh’s upcoming clash with struggling England in Adelaide on March 9, as Eoin Morgan’s team face the real prospect of missing out on the quarter-final stage given they (along with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Scotland) are yet to register a win in Pool A.