Aussies favourites for ICC final

MUMBAI—The Champions Trophy reaches its climax on Sunday when holders West Indies, who had to pre-qualify, play pre-tournament favourites Australia in the final.
The two teams met in the group stages, Runako Morton and Jerome Taylor starring as the Windies triumphed. Australia veterans Glenn McGrath and Damien Martyn have been their star performers in the tournament so far.
West Indies opener Chris Gayle has successive centuries, against England and South Africa, behind him. As well as a remarkable 437 runs in the tournament, Gayle has taken eight wickets with an economy rate of less than four an over. His captain Brian Lara said he would have to continue to keep up his good form.
“Chris Gayle has always been a top player with the bat, with the ball and in the field,” said Lara. “I am almost sure that he does not want to leave the centre stage to anyone come the final.
Damien Martyn has hit 194 runs in four innings in India so far “In the practice sessions his preparation is great and he is reaping the rewards right now.” Australia have never won the Champions Trophy, but have triumphed in the last two World Cups and after the early 10-run loss to West Indies they have looked the part.
England, India and New Zealand have been swept aside without too much bother and captain Ricky Ponting is confident. “We have probably won more one-day finals, one-day tournaments, and World Cups than any other team... certainly a lot more than the West Indies have,” he said.
“We know what it takes to win big games and we will see how the West Indian players will cope under pressure.” After deciding against a specialist spinner in three of their four matches to date, Australia could use one at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium.
Ponting said: “The conditions here have been more suited to spin than any other wicket in the competition so far, and that brings Dan Cullen and Brad Hogg into consideration.”
With Mitchell Johnson impressing recently, Nathan Bracken may have to be jettisoned if a spinner is used. West Indies are likely to play the same side that beat South Africa in the semi-final, with Wavell Hinds, Corey Collymore and Fidel Edwards all set to share drinks-carrying duties.
Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Shane Watson, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Dan Cullen, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Bracken, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich.
West Indies (from): Brian Lara (captain), Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Dwayne Bravo, Wavell Hinds, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Smith, Carlton Baugh, Fidel Edwards, Ian Bradshaw, Runako Morton, Jerome Taylor, Corey Collymore.—Agencies