After a wobbling start that made everyone question their World Cup pedigree, the five-time champions are now back where they had hoped to be with the tricky Netherlands the Aussies' next opponent in India.

Australia began the tournament with a loss to India and then went down to South Africa before they bounced back to be placed fourth in the 10-team table led by the hosts India.

The first four teams will qualify for the semifinals following the end of the round-robin league stage, and Australia will only hope to strengthen their stay at the top with a win against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi today.

"We're not in unfamiliar territory. We had a slow start and we were put under pressure at times, but the vibe is great," said Marsh on the eve of the clash with the giant-killing Dutch.

"We've played really good cricket the last two games and hopefully that's the case tomorrow [on Wednesday against the Netherlands]. So, there's a big carrot dangling for us in a couple of weeks' time."

The Netherlands stunned high-flying South Africa last week but lost to Sri Lanka in their next outing. Afghanistan's shock win over Pakistan in Chennai on Monday came after they had stunned defending champions England in New Delhi.

Marsh said the level of competitiveness has brought the tournament alive.

"Teams have got better. I think that's great for world cricket, certainly in tournaments like this that can sometimes be pretty long," said Marsh.

"We respect the Netherlands; they're playing some good cricket and that will be a tough challenge."

Marsh, however, might see himself drop down to number three in the batting order if opener Travis Head returns to the team for their clash against the Netherlands.

Marsh comes into today's contest fresh from his 121 in a 259-run opening partnership with David Warner against Pakistan last week.

Head, who broke his hand at Centurion in South Africa last month, has rejoined the team after rehabilitation in Adelaide and had a hit at the nets in Delhi.

"I think that decision (of having Head in the XI) will be made this afternoon/tonight," Marsh added.

"He looked good, a bit of range hitting last night. He says the hand feels good. So, I'm sure if he's fit, he'll be available for selection in the team."

On slipping down the batting order, Marsh said he had no problem with it.

Statbox

*Australia and the Netherlands have come across in ODIs only in World Cups -- once in 2003 and then in 2007. Australia won convincingly on both occasions.

*Australia's Mitchell Starc, with 55 wickets in 22 matches, needs just two more wickets to go third in the all-time wicket takers' list in World Cups. Glenn McGrath leads the chart with 71 scalps in 39 matches.