Finally, after what appears to have been an eternity, the ICC Cricket World Cup is finished with Australia taking the title for an unprecedented third straight time - an outstanding achievement from one of the truly great sides from any sport in the modern era.

The Aussies were several classes above everyone they faced in the tournament, but how they eventually won the 2007 crown will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of all cricket lovers, including the victors. The scenes in the finals moments at Barbados on Saturday were a complete farce, a disgrace and an insult to both the Australians and Sri Lankans. They were also an insult to the fans who paid good money to be in the crowd at Kensington Oval and the millions of fans in both countries, many who stayed up all night through the rain delays to witness a mockery  made out of their sport.

For those unfamiliar with the events on Saturday, here's a quick recap. After persistent rain delayed the start, the match was reduced to 38 overs a side. The Australians, batting first, took control of the game, scoring 281 - thanks largely to Adam Gilchrist's stunning knock of 149.

Chasing a revised total of 269 off 36 overs Sri Lanka were never in the hunt and with the light fading dramatically and requiring an impossible 63 runs from 18 balls, they were more than happy to accept the umpires offer to leave the field due to poor light. The Sri Lankans did this knowing that by doing so they were conceding the match to the Australians, having batted the minimum 20 overs for a result to stand.

This concession sparked celebrations in the Australian camp that was tempered minutes later when umpires Aleem Dar and Steve Bucknor informed both sides that the match was in fact not finished and that the remaining three overs would have to be played, either that evening or the following day.

Even with the gentleman's agreement between captains Ricky Ponting and Mahela Jayawardene that only slow bowlers would be used, forcing both sides to return to the field for those final three overs was not only unnecessary but also undignifying for both sides. Australia were denied the moment to saviour and bask in the glow of a brilliant victory while Sri Lanka could only have more salt poured into their wounds.

Thankfully, the better side ultimately won and the result was never in dispute, even under the Duckworth/Lewis system used in rain/light affected matches. As a proud Australian cricket fan, I should be jumping from the rafters but instead victory seems a little hollow.

Heads should roll for the events in Barbados - and the World Cup as a whole. Those at the top should take a leaf out of Jayawardene's book. He may have lost the match but showed the world how to lose with dignity and class, something missing from officialdom in the tournament.

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