May 05: Ricky Ponting's squad arrived in Sydney shortly after 5 a.m. local time on Thursday, weary from days of celebrations and travel that followed the World Cup quest, almost eight weeks ago in Caribbean.
The only grudge, which the Aussie captain had, was about the bad officiating incident that took place during last overs in the finals. The Sri Lankan batsmen accepted batting in the bad light and the Australian team started celebrating their victory before umpires incorrectly declared that the match was not over and made them complete the last three overs in near darkness.
“I’d actually planned the bowling so that Glenn McGrath could bowl the last over of the match and his career, so I guess we were denied that opportunity as well,� the disappointed Ponting said.
Ponting and his team-mates received a warm welcome by a small group of family and friends and a sizeable media contingent at the airport. The team was later fetched for breakfast by Prime Minister John Howard and later by thousands of fans at a civic reception in Central Sydney.
Ponting said “Once again to go all through undefeated and have a lot of our players peaking at the right time in the World Cup is an amazing achievement by everybody.�
Adam Gilchrist's stunning performance of 149 from 104 balls in the final against Sri Lanka capped Australia's second straight win. In the World Cup campaign Gilly’s dream knock in the final was all praise. Ponting frankly said that it was Gilly’s knock which made their WC hat trick a reality.
“Gilly’s innings in the final, as I have been flat out telling him, it was unbelievable, that was the one difference between the two teams in the final,� he said.
But the biggest cheers were reserved for veteran pace man Glenn McGrath and Coach John Buchanan, who retired following Australia's 53-run win over Sri Lanka on Saturday, at Kensington Oval.
About retiring champion Glen McGrath, the Prime Minister John Howard went on to say that he is the greatest fast bowler of his generation, and one of the best of all time.
“The wonderful Glenn McGrath...really has been an ornament to Australian cricket for many years,'' Howard said. “You'd have to rank him with (Dennis) Lillee and (Ray) Lindwall as the three great fast bowlers this country has produced. He's been terrific.''
McGrath said he has not looked back since announcing his retirement, after Australia reclaimed the Ashes from England in the summer.
“Since making the decision I haven't even given it a second thought,'' he said. “I've been very lucky to have played as long as I have and enjoyed every minute of it, but it's now time for me to move on, let the young guys come through.
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