Cricket World Cup: New Zealand defeat a turning point - Clarke

Clarke made 10 in the semi-final against India before he was dismissed by Mohit Sharma

Australia captain Michael Clarke says losing to New Zealand in the group stage of the World Cup was a "kick up the backside" his team needed.

Clarke's side lost by one wicket to the Black Caps but will meet them in Sunday's final after a 95-run semi-final win against India.

"That was our turning point in this tournament," said batsman Clarke, 33.

"Our attitude from that day has been exceptional. It gave us a kick up the backside."

Australia were bowled out for 151 in Auckland on 28 February, but fought back to such an extent that New Zealand's Kane Williamson had only last man Trent Boult for company when he hit a six to seal victory.

The Kiwis are unbeaten, having played all of their matches in New Zealand. Now they must travel to Melbourne for the final.

"The fact the conditions are different will certainly help us," said 33-year-old Clarke. "But we're going to have to play our best cricket.

"New Zealand have been the form team of the competition and they certainly deserve to be in the final."

Australia's victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground came as they bowled out India for 233 after posting 328-7.

That effort with the bat was underpinned by a century from Steve Smith, but his wicket began a slide of four wickets for 51 runs that prevented the hosts from reaching an even bigger score.

"I did think 320 was enough, but I thought our bowlers had to execute very well," said Clarke, who was part of the Australia team that won the World Cup in 2007.

"No matter how many runs we scored, we were going to try and bowl India out. I think that was a fantastic performance."

Michael Clarke (centre) will lead Australia in their seventh World Cup final on Sunday

The final in Melbourne will be the last match of an Australian summer that saw the death of batsman Phillip Hughes in December.

Clarke, who gave a eulogy at Hughes's funeral, has struggled for fitness and has seen his position as captain come under scrutiny after Smith led the team to a Test series victory over India in his absence.

"It would be extremely special to win on Sunday, there's no doubt about it," said Clarke.

"At the start of the tournament there was a lot of expectation and pressure put onto this team, the fact we were playing in our own back yard.

"If our attitude doesn't change and we stay as focused as we've been since that loss against New Zealand, I'm confident we can win this World Cup."

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