Australian team bids emotinal adieu to McGrath and coach Buchanan

The historic World cup title win campaign by Australia ended with a tinge of sadness as the team bid an emotional adieu to pacer Glenn McGrath and coach John Buchanan here today.

McGrath played his last match in the final against Sri Lanka, while Buchanan also bade good bye to the team after a highly successful tenure.

Talking to newspersons after the victory, skipper Ricky Ponting made a pointed reference to the contribution of the coach and McGrath in the team’s success.

''It's not easy to make a very good team still strive to better itself and while a fair credit is due to the players, much of it should go to John (Buchanan). He has really pushed us into trying to better ourselves and that would be one of his long-standing legacy.'' Ponting, however, seemed more sentimental about team-mate McGrath, saying ''I wanted to give the final over of the World Cup final to the retiring pacer.

''I had actually planned it that way but the way game unfolded, bad light and rain later in the day, and with the decision to bowl spinners in the final three overs, it wasn't to be.'' However, McGrath was his modest best, saying ''The pace at which I am bowling these days people say I would have bowled an arm ball anyway. But really, I would take (the memory) of Gilly (Gilchrist) catching that one (as my final moments) any day.'' McGrath's final wicket was of Russel Arnold, who incidentally has also announced his retirement, caught by a diving Adam Gilchrist.

It took McGrath's World Cup tally to 26, the highest, and that fetched him the most sought after Player-of-the-Tournament award.

The speedster was effusive in his praise for the team which he represented for over 13 years. ''There is a great deal of self-belief in this team and the fact you expect every other member of the side to do really well is enjoyable,'' the 'Pigeon' said.

To a query regarding the secret of Australia's dominance, McGrath replied in jest that he would not ''give it for free.'' Buchanan made it clear that taking up coaching assignment was farthest from his mind at the moment. ''I guess you never say never in life but at the moment I'm not interested. I have worked with this team who strive for perfection and in that sense they are a perfect team,'' the coach said.

''I always felt proud to be associated with this team which is so focused and has fierce determination. It is good that I am leaving amidst a blaze of Glory,'' he added.

UNI HSB SAM KP1125

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