World Cup final: Australia v Sri Lanka

The whole world is rooting against Australia! However it would be nice if other countries actually concentrated on lifting their games instead of just griping. England briefly threatened to do this in 2005, and showed it could be done, but they lost the plot on that bus ride.

Sri Lanka are the only side likely to challenge Australia, either today or for the next five years or so. South Africa can’t improve, they have too much political stuff to cope with regarding quotas, India and Pakistan are stymed by cricket politics and patronage, and England just will be the same old England. New Zealand and West Indies might be able to pop the odd upset here and there, but it’s only Sri Lanka that seem to take cricket seriously enough to want to get better at it.

I don’t know who will win today- but I do know that Sri Lanka will have to put in a hell of a performance to beat us, and that’s a good place for this Aussie to be in.

We must win, if only to stop the Queen giving OBEs and MBEs to the population of Sri Lanka after the game. And winning shining happy people holding hands would probably break into a spirited rendition of ‘Ding dong, the witch is dead’. I had enough of that in 2005.

I really don’t care who wins. But please can we have a contest.

A contest like the one in Johannesburg (you now which match I mean) would be entertaining and make at least a memorable final for this tournament.
But for a start the rain could go away… I would hate to see a Twenty20 final.

It’s bloody raining!

Very interesting! Considering the weather and our difficulty defending totals lately – hey Scot – what are you drinking tonight?

They defended a couple in this world cup, but I still can’t get those NZ games out of my mind…ancient history I suppose.

Great minds think alike – I’m on the Port as well. Enjoy.

It would be a fitting end to the World Cup if the final is a total washout, and Australia and Sri Lanka share the title. It’s been that sort of tournament.

Honestly, stuffing up the Yarpies was good enough for me. Fox are showing the replay of that now.

I guess it’s my Kiwi in-laws Mike – they’ll never let me forget…

Watching repeats in a rugby stadium in Colombo. Boring. Is it still raining??

Actually that could have been any of the Cricinfo crew that wrote that rant. Will could have wrote it, but then so could I or a thousand other fans.

Yes it is – I think I might go watch the AUS v NZ World Cup game or something while I wait. What was the margin again? Oh yes, biggest ever. Yes, NZ tour was a long time ago…

I’ve been angling for a job there for years Mike.

Meanwhile, Will is copping it from his co-workers:
“The covers, meanwhile, are as stuck in place as Will’s hand in his pocket when it comes to buying a drink. “I’m not tight,” objects Will, before admitting that he has not bought anyone a beer since Sri Lanka last held the World Cup.”

He’s never bought me a beer either. But he has sent various non-alcoholic goodies my way as well. So he’s not as bad as he’s painted either.

LOL

I should of refreshed the page!

Funny stuff you two.

So why is it that Indian fans continue to gripe about the World Cup losing charm and whatnot – listen, you lost to BOTH Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, you played poorly twice out of three games. Not too many sports that will let you progress with a 1-2 record…

So we’re on, it’s a 38 over game. Who will that favour?
Botham says the pitch is bone dry, hard, this patch won’t change, is flat, won’t do a great deal…

38 overs – 2.2 hours, movie length – I’d say it benefits the TV companies. Bugger it, call it off, fly them to Melbourne, play the match under the roof at Docklands on a drop in pitch. Less of a joke. Not.

But it’s a shame that a final of a World Cup is played in reduced over format. It just doesn’t feel right.

Hi again all. I’m sitting here drinking Marstons which, I notice, is the official beer of the England cricket team. Surely then the beer ought to be flat, weak as pi$$ and inconsistent in quality.

Actually it is seriously malty, quite strong and has a taste as complex as KP’s ego.

I think that Monty getting a wicket reminds me of Bambi on ice.

I see Gilly’s taken to Vaas – hit him out of the attack in fact.

Bambi on ice – brilliant!

Have to say that Monty was one of the few English successes in the Ashes and I’d have thought he would have done better in this competition, given how well other spinners (Hogg and Vettori especially) have bowled. I’ve not seen a lot of him in this comp but I thought he bowled a bit too flat to be honest.

Hayden and Fernando are both going out of their way to not get out of the way. Lot’s of little nudges and brushes between the two.

2nd Powerplay not taken… hmmm…

Lowest first 10 overs from Australia in the tournament… hmmm…

And Fernando drops a c&b chance…

…and Fernando pays for it next ball.

Was it Scott or Stu who said Gilchrist was due a score? Prophetic stuff.

Aha….. Murali

Jayawardene does favour the delayed powerplay, and it is an interesting ploy; it’s certainly done for Pietersen but will it work against Symonds?

It is a decent tactic, though.

I’m sure they’ll employ it at the loss of a wicket – it’s whether we can stamp authority from the get-go at the time that will be important.

My God – what amazes me about Gilly is that he may be down but he is never out. Just look at that Test Hundred in Perth. His innings today. He’s averaged around the mid thirties all tournament, which isn’t half bad, but isn’t great. It’s actually above his career average. Big bashing score here and he’ll soar above 400 runs and mid 40’s average. He could finish quite satisfied with his efforts.

Never out…

Ooooh Gilly could tie Hayden for the fastest World Cup Hundred in history. What a difference 75 minutes can make to a man.

Aha – a powerplay

Aha – Maling is back and Haydos thumps him for six first ball. Boooyah!

There is Gilly’s hundred, you f(*&#$ bloody beauty!!!

oops – kiss of death!

Shush, Sean.

Bring enough for 3.

Erm – whose captain?

My bad for making assumptions – I appluad you if you’re a brit and are here enjoying a game of cricket. The same can’t be said for many others – no shows when their team is eliminated from the 1st Round for example.

So ol’ crooked finger just ran the balls out for the now customary late innings ball change. I suppose 34 overs is late in the context of a rain shortened game?

Anyway, it got me thinking – what did he do to get snubbed from officiating the final? And where is the world’s best umpire Simon Taufel? I suppose Simon misses out because he’s an Aussie, and Bucknor gets the nod because he’s at home, but why is Dar in there in place of ol Billy?

I do want to see a contest though so I kinda hope Aus don’t get too many. Either that or Jayasuriya gets going.

Did I just see MS Dhoni in the crowd dressed as a Sri Lankan fan?

I’ve had to reassess my opinion of Ponting as a captain since Ashes 2005, Mike.

I thought he was tactically inept and a poor motivator back then but the same could not be said in Australia last year. So determined, astute and leading by example; I think losing the Ashes was the making of him as a captain.

Funny I should ask about Dar. What a brainless call this is, two steps down the pitch and he’s called back for a dead ball for running on the pitch.

I don’t think the umpire can do this. You dickhead Dar.

Ricky Ponting will be in the face of the umpire’s in the 2nd innings for sure, and so he should be. It’s normal to take a couple steps in the middle as that’s where you are batting. Apparently the law states that the umpire issues a warning the first time and then that warning applies to all batsman after that. The 2nd warning is a final warning and any runs outside of a wide or no ball are disregarded.

The problem here as the commentators are pointing out, and I agree is, that Dar applied the rule corectly but mis-called Clarke’s running on the wicket.

Mmmm Beer

Mindblowing innings by Gilly. Its over to Jayasuriya now

Welcome back nick. Where you been mate?
Oooh, it’s beer o’clock!

Game’s not over yet, Michael.

Sangakarra swats McGrath over midwicket for six and then carves him through covers for four.
A wicket would be handy!

We’re getting a contest – please don’t rain

Sri Lanka to win this with overs to spare.

Nah Scott, Hogg will come on after the powerplay and will get you a wicket.

Good start from Hogg.

Hogg almost had Jayasuriya.
Then gets smacked for four.
Sangakarra gone! Well done Hogg.

I must say, that was a shrewd call, Sean.

I very nearly had a few quid on him for top wicket taker when he was 60/1.

Jim Maxwell on TMS says Sri L are about 12 behind on d/l. Good shout from Ponting here I think.

It was gutsy.
And pays off! You beauty!
That’s made it hard for Sri Lanka.

Scott the only ones chasing big scores down is that one game we dont speak about vs South Africa and two games against New Zealand – not with our full squad. It doesn’t make us vulnerable at all.

Oh I can’t keep up.. Duckworth Lewis permutations and all…

why can’t they have a full 50 overs each with as many reserve days as necessary for the final atleast..arghhhhhh..
you can’t decide things on d/l for the final..
let it take 3 days if it has to..
arghhhhh

I don’t like it Sean. If Australia and Sri Lanka were playing right now with a loss or two under their belts, some close games, etc, I’d be somewhat reluctant to cheer and glee.

Since Australia has pounded all and sundry, including the best Sri Lanka threw at us, I know they are rightful World Cup owners.

I am glad though that Sangakkara and Jayasuriya provided a counter punch for a time. They were each going at about 6.2 an over, a great speed, but honestly wasn’t enough. They needed to kick on, neither of which did, and for that, they will fall well short.

I’m nervous as a kitten to be honest. We batted brilliantly and didn’t bowl so good so… I dunno.

Anyway players back on.. here we go!

What’s going on now?

We’re going to win, arent’ we?

Michael – I’m afraid I’ve no idea if you’re going to get a girl. I’ve just looked at your blog btw and good luck with that.

I’ve got three boys, never got the hang of making girls.

Is your move home permanent?

You sound like me, Michael. I’ll watch cricket anywhere; I stop my car if I see a village match going on.

If I could havec afforded to go to the WC, there’s no way I’d have changed my mind once England had not progressed.

I wouldn’t call the final ‘hopelessly tainted’. Bad weather is an intrinsic part of the game of cricket. You just have to deal with it.
Both sides had plenty of overs to play with.

And still it’s not completely over. Tait plonked into the stand. The damp conditions can be difficult for bowlers and fielders too.

Oh, I’m not saying it’s completely over — either team can still win. It just won’t be a very convincing final — and it could have been a fascinating rematch — remember the ‘96 final, anyone?

Of course. Kalu and Jayasuriya out early, De Silva played the gem. Did I tell you all that I played with Kalu last year in a cricket tournament?

I know what you mean, Karan. The cut-down version and the messy weather do detract a little from the spectacle and the contest.
But Gilchrist’s effort remains the difference between the teams.
With Silva and Dilshan gone it really is all over now barring a complete miracle.

Regardless of the nature of the conditions Australia will delighted (and deservedly) walk away with their third Cup in succession.
That is an awesome effort!

“Now Glen McGrath has got to put his stump back…” That might be the funniest sentence I’ve read in a while. Well said Mark Nicholas!

Yaaaaaaahhhh!!!!!!

Oh, poor old Malcolm Speed and Percy Soon get booed at the presentation ceremony. Couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of crunts.

What a magnificent end. The organisers of this shambles introduced one-by-one, and treated to massive boos. Then Everton Weekes is next, and gets a huge cheer! I’m glad this crowd are letting the ICC know how awful this tournament has been.

Thank god it’s all over ! No more sleepless nights worrying about Gillie’s form! Trust him to wait for a the big stage! I’m so glad Australia won. Played out of their socks to appear nonchalent.

There’s shining happy people out there in the gloom…. and they’re wearing yellow!

Oz-trahlia won me 40 quid today. Thanks guys!

A five-week tournament could probably be achieved if they hold the same number of matches but have two Super-8 games per day, cutting the length down from 47 days to 35.

And I agree completely with Michael regarding the empty seats. People who refuse to attend because their team didn’t make it are bad for the game, especially if they turn on their own players and burn effigies the next day.

Oh God. The first thing that anyone could do is just cancel the bloody thing. Isn’t everybody somewhat arguing the same story right now? We’ve had enough cricket for a while? Less games, not more?

Twenty20 World Cup, in the same year as the World Cup, is a farcing farce farce. For farce sake.

I think this time world-cup final didn’t attain the any of cricket fans’ expectation except Aussies wishes.
because of their winning is not fair, Fortunately Aussies got the opportunity to bat first, under well Weather condition(sun rise). Also evasive Assies batsmant Adam Gilcrist made comfortably century putting Squash Ball under his glove. if any other country player did this ICC would take any action againts this.
Also Sri Lankan Players had to bat under Slight rain and darknell, that condition was not suitable for cricket. Rain made pitch slow and ball didn’t come at bat as aussies was batting.

but anyway sri lankan players did thier job well and and aussies got the cup with thier usual evasively.