Aussies in fix over Martyn and Bichel's fitness
Saturday, March 22 2003 17:43 Hrs (IST)

Johannesburg: Defending champion Australia will decide on Sunday morning whether or not batsman Damien Martyn will be fit to play in the World Cup final against India.

Martyn, who has a fractured finger, has been a doubt for the match at the Wanderers after picking up the injury while fielding in the Super Six match against Kenya last week.

Seamer Andy Bichel has a sore right shoulder but practised in the nets on Saturday and is expected to play. Australia is the defending champion, while India will be looking for its first World Cup title in 20 years in Sunday's final.

Despite doubts over Martyn, Australia captain Ricky Ponting remained confident of victory. "We haven't played our best yet, hopefully that comes out on Sunday," said Ponting.

"We have been tested on certain occasions, we have been under fairly intense pressure of late. But the good thing is we have come through really well and got ourselves out of those tight periods and ended winning the game very comprehensively."

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Saturday is the D-day for me, says Martyn