Martyn reflects on job well done

Nathan Bracken is jumped on by Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting © Getty Images

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World champions Australia challenged themselves to win the Champions Trophy for the first time - and did so with ease as holders West Indies fell flat in Sunday’s final.

Shane Watson (57no) and Damien Martyn shared an unbroken stand of 103 as the Aussies coasted to victory by eight wickets in a rain-affected match in Mumbai.

The Windies were bowled out for 138 in only 30.4 overs - and Australia were set a revised target of 116 to win in 35 overs.

Australia accomplished their relatively simple task with almost seven overs to spare.

Martyn reflected on a job well done, revealing he and his team-mates had made success in this tournament a priority before they prepare in earnest to face England in the Ashes this winter.

“The boys did a superb job,” Martyn said.

“For a few of us it might be our last Champions Trophy, and we came here with a burning desire to win this tournament.”

There was a minor wobble when Australia found themselves 13 for two, and Martyn admitted to just one or two fleeting doubts.

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“When you lose a couple of wickets early on it does get a bit nervous,” he said.

West Indies captain Brian Lara was disappointed with their performance - but with one eye already on the World Cup in the Caribbean next spring, he is confident there is reason for optimism in his developing team.

“We worked really hard to get here but unfortunately we were very disappointing in the final,” said the Trinidadian.

“Maybe it was a bit of stage-fright. But the fact is we are getting places ... we just have to work on crossing that final hurdle.

“The guys are believing in themselves a lot more.”

Lara’s opposite number Ricky Ponting was delighted with Australia’s resilience - and had particular praise for left-arm seamer Nathan Bracken, who got rid of Chris Gayle when he was threatening to cut loose against the new ball.

The Windies never recovered from the loss of quick wickets after they had made an electric start, and Ponting said: “Nathan Bracken’s performance was outstanding.

“It has been that way right through the tournament. We’ve had our backs to the wall - but we’ve put our hands up when it has mattered.”