Stating that Australia are still full strength despite James Faulkner facing fitness issues due to a side strain, paceman Josh Hazlewood pointed out a few reasons why the co-hosts are rated above other teams at the World Cup.
Australia have been in ominous form in the lead-up, going undefeated to win the tri-series despite missing injured captain Clarke, who is nonetheless expected to play in the team's warm-up match on Wednesday against United Arab Emirates at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Faulkner's side strain has been the only major fly in the ointment and Hazlewood underscored the fast bowling all-rounder's value as "an edge" over the 13 other teams who will compete at the World Cup.
"I think it’s just that batting edge, probably especially when Faulks (Faulkner) is in that team, to have him at eight at full strength is probably the key," he said.
"Where other teams probably have bowlers who can bat a bit, we’ve got Jimmy down there who can finish it off.
"I think our quicks as well (are an edge). We’ve got great depth in our quicks.
"Probably those two things are ... above the other teams."
Hazlewood ready for 'death bowling' duties
With Mitchell Johnson to lead the attack and Faulkner almost certain to be included if fit, Hazlewood will compete with left-armer Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins for the remaining pace spots.
Though one of the junior members of the pace battery, Hazlewood has been impressive in his eight one-day matches and said he would have no problem being picked for "death bowling" duties during the World Cup.
"Yeah, definitely," he said.
"All the bowlers want to have that opportunity to win the game for Australia whether you're bowling the start, the middle or the end.
"I think the end's obviously crucial. We've seen Starc and Faulkner do the job in previous games but everyone wants that opportunity to prove themselves."
'It's just a matter of time until their batting order clicks'
The Australia paceman also played down India's 106-run drubbing in a World Cup warm-up against the co-hosts on Sunday, saying it was a matter of time before the champions clicked.
Australia dominated India in batting, bowling and fielding in the Adelaide match to bolster their status as favourites to win the global showpiece which starts on Saturday.
India have been in wretched form Down Under, however, going winless from their three matches in the tri-series against England and Australia in recent weeks.
"It's just a matter of time until their batting order clicks," Hazlewood told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"They've got some outstanding players and they've all got great records. I think it's just a matter of time before they get going.
"They're a very dangerous side."
