The Hindu : Sport : `I will never forget this day'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 30, 2007
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`I will never forget this day'

Special Correspondent

Bridgetown: Australian captain Ricky Ponting declared his side's domination was without parallel after winning its fourth World Cup on Saturday; later, he said he didn't see Australia slipping despite great players such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, and Damien Martyn retiring.

"We've dominated this tournament like no team has dominated a tournament before," said Ponting. "We've never really been tested. In '03, there were a few situations where it looked like we were going to lose. In '99, it was the exact opposite. After two or three games, we had to win every game from there on in."

Amazing feeling

Ponting said the standard of cricket Australia played made other "good cricket sides look ordinary. I will never forget this day. It's an amazing feeling to be involved with this group of players and I'm especially proud of our achievement."

Ponting said the domestic structure was so good, Australia's youngsters played high-class cricket. He said he looked forward to leading a young side.

"I've seen some of them and played with others, and I'm not so sure we'll be slipping. It's an exciting time for me, to be honest. When I came in 1995, I looked up to an excellent set of senior players. It's now up to us to set that example."

Coach John Buchanan, who like Glenn McGrath was involved in his last match for Australia, chose to deflect the praise coming his way. He said he did no more than drag the gear out during practice and put them back in.

Fairytale win

"It's a fairytale to win three World Cups in a row," said Buchanan.

"It really is an unbelievable achievement and it's due to the team and the support team. We have great players and when you have great players this is what happens. Each one is driven to perfection so in many ways it really is the perfect team."

Jayawardene's quip

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene was asked what it would take to stop Australia. "Probably wait for some of their players to retire soon," he said, his sense of humour intact.

"One (Glenn McGrath) is going." Jayawardene said, "I think they always keep improving. A lot of teams have competed really well against Australia in the past, but maybe when they come to a big tournament they seem to have that little bit extra," He added, "they have different ways of going about things. They went unbeaten when it was difficult to remain unbeaten in the tournament because of different conditions and opposition, but they played really good cricket."

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