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However, it has been a very quick turnaround for the squad, especially those involved in the CPL final, who have had barely 24 hours in Australia. Whichever way you plug Guyana to Gold Coast into Google Flights - the last group came via New York and Dubai - it's not an easy journey.

Hetmyer's travel problems and subsequent axing from the squad has added to what was already a selection that had prompted significant debate amid the absence of Andre Russell and continued non-selection of Sunil Narine. In their favour, however, they are coming off a sustained period of T20 cricket in the CPL and a number in the squad enjoyed an impressive tournament.

Australia, meanwhile, are looking to fine-tune their plans after the 2-1 series loss in India, which included some high-quality batting but in conditions that probably won't have a huge bearing on this World Cup. There are some niggling injuries around the squad, which threaten to become a bit more of an issue than may have first appeared. But with bubbles a thing of the past, Australia know they have the advantage of being hosts and can call up players easily if needed.

Recent form

(last five matches, most recent first)

Australia LLWLW
West Indies WLLLL

In the spotlight

Team news

With Marcus Stoinis not part of the squad and Marsh playing as a batter only, Australia will probably need to find room for a fifth bowler, which moves away from their balance of the last World Cup. It may mean a chance for Green in the middle order, or Daniel Sams, who has more experience in that role. The knock-on to that would mean a frontline batter, maybe Steven Smith, sitting out.

Australia (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Tim David, 6 Matthew Wade (wk), 7 Daniel Sams/Cameron Green, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood

Seven of West Indies' squad were part of the CPL final and Pooran said they would take a call on the XI on match day based on how the players had pulled up from the journey. But some are going to have to play. Shamarh Brooks, who has replaced Hetmyer, won't arrive for the Australia matches.

West Indies (possible) 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Johnson Charles, 4 Nicholas Pooran (capt & wk), 5 Rovman Powell, 6 Jason Holder, 7 Odean Smith, 8 Akeal Hosein, 9 Yannic Cariah, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Sheldon Cottrell

Pitch and conditions

"You're not really sure what you'll get until the game starts," Aaron Finch said of what the drop-in pitch at Metricon can produce. "It looks like it's hardened up overnight. It was a touch soft yesterday." The forecast is for an outside chance of a shower.

Stats and trivia

Quotes

"It's been a pretty hectic six or eight weeks with the ODI series straight into India. But it's been good fun. I think we're starting to learn a lot more about the squad and keep developing depth, all with one eye towards the World Cup."
Aaron Finch

"We understand that we don't have as much experience in the room. But we have been playing cricket together for the entire year so we do understand each other a little better now."
Nicholas Pooran