Aussies prepared for McCullum threat

Josh Hazlewood feels some hard-hitting teammates have helped Australia's pacemen prepare for the battering that New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum will aim to dish out when the two sides meet in Saturday’s World Cup showdown.

McCullum is fresh from setting a new mark for the fastest World Cup fifty, needing just 18 balls to post the milestone against England last week.

Hazlewood noted the New Zealand captain would be a key scalp for his side during the battle of the co-hosts.

McCullum's form, coupled with the short boundaries at Eden Park, could provide plenty of headaches for Australia's quicks, though the Kiwi danger man averages 24 at the venue – six runs below his career mark – with three half-centuries in 23 innings.

Hazlewood said it was "going to be hard work" against the ultra-aggressive opener, but the 24-year-old felt the Australians would be ready after charging in against the likes of David Warner and Aaron Finch in the nets.

"We've seen what he can do in the previous games," Hazlewood said of McCullum.

"He's a key for them and we'll be looking to minimise his damage.

"He's obviously a dangerous player ... but bowling to ‘Finchy’ and Warner, I think there's no better practice than bowling to those two.

"They're pretty similar players to McCullum."

Hazlewood added that Finch, Warner and McCullum were all as dangerous as each other.

"We've had plenty of practice bowling to our guys, so hopefully we're ready," he said.

"A lot of the senior guys have played with him and against him (McCullum).

"We'll have our team meetings and talk about each and every player from their side."

Hazlewood played in Australia's World Cup opener against England at the MCG, but was set to be dropped for the match against Bangladesh in Brisbane.

The make-up of Australia's pace attack for Saturday's clash remains unknown, with Hazlewood and Pat Cummins both in with a shot of joining Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc in the attack.

"It's pretty good, we've got a lot of competition for spots with the quicks and allrounders," Hazlewood added.

"It's obviously a pretty big game, hopefully I'll get the nod.

"Both teams are flying at the moment, so it's going to be a great contest."