Aussies were the most resilient of the lot

Warne capitalised on the good start the fast bowlers had made by taking wickets and attacking the Pakistan batsmen right from the start with close catching fielders. Not only was Warne bowling well, but in a bad sign for opposing batsmen, hegave every indication that he knows the magic is coming back and his confidence is sky high.

After some early nerves in the Australian camp, with Damien Fleming bowling loosely, Steve Waugh’s team lifted after his brother’s brilliant catch and really tightened the noose. Apart from an uncharacteristic sitter that McGrath dropped in the outfield, the Australia effort in the field was exceptional. Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh also took smart catches and the ground work and throwing was of a high class. As so often happens, the team making the running also had a touch of luck as Inzamam-ul Haq was given out caught behind when his bat clipped the pad rather than the ball.

The mixture of Australia’s top-class bowling and fielding and some indifferent batting resulted in a modest target and this was quickly reduced to a formality by some excellent stroke play from Adam Gilchrist. The left-hander had a quiet tournament with the bat coming into the final with only one half-century and yet he looked as though hewas the in-form Lance Klusener the way he struck the ball.

One six was guided over the slips, as Gilchrist used the pace of Shoaib Akhtar and he also struck a couple of drives with equal aplomb. The spate of boundaries would have reduced the tension in the dressing room very quickly and it also brought some sloppy work from Pakistan in the field as they felt the trophy slipping out of their grasp.

Pakistan picked up a couple of consolation wickets, but Australia was always in control and Mark Waugh, who had started the opposition’s slide with his brilliant catch was there at the end to see his team safely home.

Steve Waugh was a very proud man as he lifted the trophy and he had every right to wear a rare smile. His team had started slowly but peaked just at the right time, winning the tough battles with the star players performing well in the big matches. Australia has four match winners in McGrath and Warne and the two Waugh brothers and they all made significant contributions in the final as well ason the path to Lord’s and there is no doubt that they were the most resilient team in the competition.

Steve Waugh has played in both of Australia’s World Cup victories and has the added honour of leading his team in the second win. This would be satisfaction enough for most cricketers, but knowing the perfectionist in the Australian captain he’ll soon find himself another goal to chase.