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GROS ISLET, St Lucia - Australia are under enormous pressure as favourites and defending champions going into Saturday's World Cup final against Sri Lanka, but captain Ricky Ponting can hardly contain his excitement.
"I know this current group are very excited. They are enjoying the moment," Ponting said after Australia's comprehensive seven-wicket win over South Africa in the semi-final in St Lucia.
"It's business as of tomorrow again, and getting ready for what's going to be one of the most enjoyable days of our cricketing life."
The bouncy Barbados pitch is expected to suit Australia's pace attack and not favour the Sri Lankan batting lineup, who are used to lower, slower decks.
Australia's pace attack is in top form, with veteran Glenn McGrath and young quick Shaun Tait taking seven wickets between them in South Africa's innings of 149.
Both bowlers praised their fellow paceman Nathan Bracken, whose 1-15 from seven overs helped set up the South African collapse of 5-27 in the first 9.5 overs.
McGrath has 25 wickets for the tournament, the most in a single World Cup.
The 37-year-old plays his last game on Saturday and could be set to retire with another bag of wickets.
"The wicket will probably suit us. We're really looking forward to it," McGrath says.
The Australians are travelling to Bridgetown, Barbados, today to prepare for the final.
- AAP
