(Member of 1983 World Cup winning team)

Undated, Apr 29 (UNI) It took one man to make a compelling statement on the state of world cricket. In a team game, it is not often that an individual gets such acclaim and adulation as did Adam Gilchrist on one of the most eventful days in international cricket for a long time.

He won the contest single-handedly, burying Sri Lanka under a flurry of some astonishing strokeplay, giving Australia their rightful ownership of the World Cup, winning it for the third time in a row and fourth overall.

Australia, under the wonderful leadership of Ricky Ponting, set new benchmarks for the rest of the world to follow. By wining their third World Cup final with an overwhelming margin, Australia established themselves as an all-time great side.

They have ruled modern cricket with a smashing record and none should grudge them the coveted World Cup trophy they won at Barbados.

The match may have been truncated but not the entertainment.

The astounding shots that Gilchrist played off the Sri Lankans drove home the difference between Australia and the rest of the world.

The Lankans were motivated but the Australians were possessed with winning and no team has mastered the art of winning as Australia has.

They learn to win from a cricket structure that is as strong as the international circuit. How else can you achieve the level of consistency that Australia does, the level of confidence that Australia does.

Often I hear people talk of Australian arrogance. I don't think that is true. They may be arrogant, they may sledge on the field, but they win. And what matters is victory on the field.

Australia is not known to use unsporting methods. They respect their opposition and decimate them by planning superbly. They do not believe in resting players against weak opponents and they also recognize the value of respecting their seniors and blending their juniors with those established.

Can anyone find fault with the team, their tactics, approach and their vision ? Australia knows how to get the best out of an immensely talented bunch and how to crush the hopes of the opponents.

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