Auckland, Feb 27 (IANS): New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum Friday said he expects pace spearhead Tim Southee to play in their high-voltage World Cup Pool A encounter against Australia here Saturday.

The 26-year-old Southee was struck by a throw from teammate Adam Milne during fielding practice Thursday and fell to the ground in pain, clutching the back of his right shoulder. He missed the rest of the session and was seen applying ice to the injured area.

"He's all right. It was just a ball to the shoulder. I asked him this morning if he got one in the leg as well because he managed to go down which I couldn't quite work out," McCullum was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

"He bowled well today and managed to get through his work and I'd expect him to play. We're going to play the same team as well, so far so good with all the injuries."

Southee was brilliant in their last outing against England where he picked up career-best figures of 7/33.