His pride in his team has only increased, as Ricky Ponting is aware that they are a bunch who know their job very well. The Australian skipper couldn't be any happier.
Sri Lanka's cricket team was forced to make new travel plans after the airline that was to fly them home cancelled all flights to the country's capital because of Tamil Tiger rebel air raids.
Adam Gilchrist blasted away Sri Lanka's hopes of regaining the World Cup at the Kensington Oval and Australia underscored their standing by lifting the World Cup for the third successive time.
Despite celebrating Australia's unprecedented third consecutive Cricket World Cup win, fans in the UAE said the victory was marred by a "farcical" end to the competition.
