It seems like forever since our semi-final, and we are really keen to get out there for this last game. I know it is my last game, but what that means has not yet hit home. Right now I am preparing for it just like I would have for any other match. Perhaps I will realise I am well and truly out of the game, when Australia plays next – such things do take time to register.

I have really enjoyed this World Cup, and am glad that I announced my retirement before it started. I have played with a sense of joy rather than any pressure, and perhaps that’s why this has been my most successful World Cup.

I know that many are complaining about how one-sided this tournament has been, but we have had a truly amazing tournament. There were fitness concerns, the loss of Brett Lee to injury and a five-loss streak when we came to the West Indies. All that changed once the matches began, and it gives us immense pride to see that we have won every one of our games with a huge margin – something I had predicted would happen in one of my earlier articles.

The wicket at Barbados is the fastest track used in the World Cup, so we have a huge advantage over Sri Lanka. They tend to struggle with the extra bounce, and with our pacers in such excellent form, they will really have to bat superbly to get past us.

It will be wonderful to have one last go at Sanath Jayasuriya as well. We have had some great encounters over the last 10-12 years, and it’s important to get him out early tomorrow. He is one of those players who enjoys the big match and the big stage, so it’s important to minimise his role tomorrow.