McGrath floating on cloud nine

Glenn McGrath bids an emotional goodbye at the end of the match © Getty Images

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Glenn McGrath headed into his retirement after helping Australia to a record third World Cup crown and readily admitted: “I’m loving every minute of it”.

McGrath’s side became the first team in World Cup history to wear the one-day crown for a third successive time as Adam Gilchrist’s 149 carried them to a 53-run Duckworth-Lewis win over Sri Lanka.

Gilchrist hit the highest individual score in any final to power his team to 281 for four in a match shortened by rain to 38 overs per side at Kensington Oval.

Sri Lanka, handicapped by the return of bad weather and a short interruption in their innings, took up the challenge on the back of half-centuries from Sanath Jayasuriya (63) and Kumar Sangakkara (54).

But chasing a revised target of 269, they could finish on only 215 for eight as bad light made batting hazardous in the later overs before a farcical ending in which Sri Lanka appeared to take the bad light before play continued.

Glenn McGrath was in action for the final time in Australia colours © Getty Images

“It’s a bit dark but I’m loving every minute of it,” said McGrath.

“Each time (Australia have won it) we have taken it to the next level and I’m going to make the most of it now.”

McGrath, named player of the tournament, added: “I’m pretty happy with the way things finished up here.

“I’ve really enjoyed this tournament and I think the fact my retirement was around the corner made me enjoy it more.

“It’s been quite a long career and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Captain Ponting, who had to share the limelight with brilliant duo Gilchrist and McGrath, described “a day I’ll never forget”.

He said: “It’s an amazing feeling. To be involved with this group of players, right through the World Cup especially, I am unbelievably proud of what we have achieved.”

Ponting added: “All the guys have done it for eight weeks and everything came together for us in the final.

“We’ve played some unbelievable cricket and we didn’t have a close game at all. That’s full credit to the way the guys have played.

“Results have kept getting better and better. “It is a day I’ll never forget.”

Coach John Buchanan will also step down from his role and admitted: “It is a fairytale. I didn’t think I’d come through it!

Coach John Buchanan is also stepping down at the end of the World Cup © Getty Images

“But it’s a fantastic feeling, absolutely brilliant.

“It’s all been an unbelievable achievement and it’s due to the team, and the support of people around the team.

“It is due to great people and great players that made what has happened happen.”

Man of the match Gilchrist admitted he was delighted to finally find some form with the bat after being “frustrated” for part of the tournament.

“It’s a really satisfying day and a satisfying finish to an amazing tournament,” he said.

“It’s closure on some amazing careers, obviously Glenn McGrath, much will be said and he deserves all of it but also John Buchanan. He has been amazing to Australian cricket.

Gilchrist added: “The great thing about our team and batting with Matthew Hayden is it’s all about partnerships.

“I was starting to get a bit frustrated but it was my turn today and Matty was fantastic with his support and encouragement.”

Defeated captain Mahela Jayawardene admitted his side were playing catch-up for most of the match.

“I thought we played some really good cricket but it was a very special innings by Gilly (Gilchrist) in a final. The way he batted was brilliant,” he said.

“He took the game from us, we were chasing all the time until there was a point when we couldn’t keep up.

“Credit to Ricky Ponting and the team, they played some really good cricket throughout the tournament.”