Nathan Bracken was the difference in the game: Ponting

MUMBAI: Everytime you play the Aussies, they glean something new from your performance. In the case of the West Indies, the series in Malaysia laid the foundation of their ruin.

“When we have played against them in recent times, we have seen that once they lose their top 2-3 batsmen, they struggle to cope with the pressure which is what happened today too,” said the Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

By the end of the fifth over, the West Indies were cruising at 49 for 1 at a run-rate of almost 10. But the Aussies held firm in the belief that a few wickets will get them back into the game. And that is exactly what happened.

“Nathan Bracken was the difference in the game. He is a terrific ODI bowler, and he showed that from the start of this tournament,” said Ponting. “They got a quick start, and it was a little worrying but we got quick wickets after that.”

For Lara, there was little consolation. “We needed to have batted at least 10-15 overs more at an average of five,” said Lara. “We did not bat well and a total of 138 is just not defendable.”  Ponting also praised young seamers Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson. “Young players like Watson and Johnson are learning and we want continue to work the same way in the Ashes series.”

Man of the series Chris Gayle said, “It was a great tournament for me. But it was unfortunate that after doing so well we ended in the losing side.

“It will boost me to go from strength to strength. The team wants me to take up responsibility and I am taking up that challenge.” Man of the match Shane Watson said, “It was a good tournament for young players like me.

“There are so many legends playing in the team and there is so much to learn from them. I am lucky to play here.”

The tournament is over and the Aussies have emerged victors once again. And once again the search for a side that will upset their apple-cart begins.