Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that his side are well equipped to handle the pressure of taking on India at the semi-final stage of the Cricket World Cup.

The Baggy Greens must navigate past the current holders if they are to continue their aim of winning the showpiece trophy on home soil for the first time.

Only Clarke, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson remain from the Aussies' last triumph back in 2007, although the skipper is confident that the blend of youth and experience is just right.

"I think the boys will be fine," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News when asked how his teammates will cope with the added pressure. "I think you've seen the guys handle it really well throughout the tournament, the way the boys played in the quarter-final against Pakistan was extremely pleasing.

"Expectation is there because we are the number one ranked team in the world, the expectation is put on you because you have performed. Individually, you feel that on a day-to-day basis as an international sportsman. There's been a lot of talk about pressure and expectation but that comes with the role.

"We have some older players who have the experience of playing in World Cups, who have the experience of winning World Cups, and we have some younger players with unbelievable talent, no fear at all."

New Zealand have already booked their place in the final for the first time in their history, having overcome South Africa on Tuesday morning.