My predictions seem to be coming true. When I said if any team has to challenge Australia in the final it has to be Sri Lanka I didn’t say that because I wanted one of the Asian teams to bring back the Cup. It was because of the way they have been playing as a team, as one single unit with a tremendous will to do their small country proud. They don’t seem to believe in individual achievement only, quite like the Aussies.

Why did Sri Lanka reach the final when teams like India and Pakistan were thrown out early? England, West Indies, South Africa and New Zealand were also out. There has to be some similarity between the two finalists, apart from the sheer grit and determination to win.

To start with, both teams seem to believe in their abilities. Sri Lanka have Jayasuriya, slightly older than Hayden, but when either gets going, he is difficult to stop. Hayden is going great guns at the moment, but one just cannot predict when Jayasuriya will strike.

However, the Lankans don’t rely only on one great individual. That’s also the typical Aussie way. If Jayasuriya doesn’t score it’s Jayawardene or Sangakkara or Upul Tharanga. They are as acrobatic and athletic as the Australians and younger too. And they know the importance of guarding their wickets at death.

In fact, the Lankans have a better attack — all purpose, for any wicket. For swing, seam, swerve or reverse, they have Chaminda Vaas, ably supported by the round-arm newcomer Malinga. Aussies have the accurate, immaculate and most nagging veteran McGrath. Even at 37 he is going strong, in tandem with Shaun Tait.

... contd.