World Cup final reduced to 38 overs each side

Bridgetown, Barbados, Apr 28 (UNI) The cricket World Cup final between defending champions Australia and former title holders Sri Lanka has been reduced to 38 overs each side with two power plays.

The final will start two hours and 45 minutes behind schedule because of rain.

The power plays will be of ten and five overs with three bowlers allowed to bowl maximum of eight overs each and two bowlers seven overs each.

Innings break at 1455 local time and play resumes at 1505.

Earlier, heavy rain at Kensington Oval delayed the toss and even after Australia captain Ricky Ponting called the coin correctly and decided to bat first, another spell of rain further delayed the proceedings.

Both Australia and Sri Lanka have fielded unchanged squads with which they won the semi-finals.

Teams: Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Mike Hussey, Shane Watson, Brad Hogg, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait, Glenn McGrath.

12th man: Brad Hodge Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (Capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Dilhara Fernando, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan.

12th man: Nuwan Kulasekera Field Umpires: Steve Bucknor, Aleem Dar Third Umpire: Billy Bowden Match Referee: Jeff Crowe.

UNI