Attractive aggression Australia's aim

George Bailey will aim to keep things aggressive but attractive in Saturday's ICC Cricket World Cup opener, with the vice-captain keen to avoid any ugly incidents at the MCG.

Bailey will lead Australia in the absence of Michael Clarke, with the World Cup co-hosts to start their campaign against arch-rivals England.

The International Cricket Council has put all 14 teams on notice regarding behaviour standards, vowing to crackdown on sledging.

David Warner was twice fined for code-of-conduct violations during the summer and would cop a suspension if he plays up on the weekend.

David Warner was involved in a heated exchange earlier this summer // Getty Images

Bailey suggested he had not raised the issue with Warner or any other teammates.

"That's never been a discussion I've had in any of our meetings," Bailey said.

"We've got a lot of different personalities within the team and I think we all know how some of those guys play.

"I don't think that will change. I think it's part and parcel.

"Obviously we don't want any ugly incidents, but we'll certainly play the game aggressively."

Coach Darren Lehmann was also confident the match, set to be watched by a sell-out crowd of over 90,000, would be played in the right spirit.

"Very much so. Both teams have played hard in the tri-series when we've come up against each other and during Ashes series," Lehmann said.

"That won't change come Saturday I'm sure ... David will do the right thing."

Straight shooter Bailey acknowledge the clash with England could be his first and last hit-out during the World Cup, with Clarke to return next Saturday against Bangladesh.

"It's a pretty basic equation," Bailey said.

Asked what he can do to save his spot, Bailey replied "I don't think I probably will, but that's fine".

A match-winning knock from Bailey could give selectors some serious headaches.

Bailey, who has not scored a half-century for Australia since November 14, feels he is "hitting the ball really well".

"I'm very comfortable where I'm at," he said.

"I actually feel like my role has changed a bit within the team.

"But, as with every single batsman who is about to take part in this tournament, I want some runs."

Australia’s World Cup Fixtures

February 14: v England, 2:30pm at the MCG

February 21: v Bangladesh, 1:30pm at the Gabba

February 28: v New Zealand, 2:00pm at Eden Park (NZ)

March 4: v Afghanistan, 2:30pm at the WACA

March 8: v Sri Lanka, 2:30pm at the SCG

March 13: v Scotland, 2:30pm at Blundstone Arena

View the full fixture list here