We are not trying too hard for trophy

Mumbai: The best part of our progress in the Champion's Trophy is that we have improved in every game.

We played our opening game in Mumbai, and we lost to the West Indies who played better cricket than us.

Both teams now return to the same venue, but I feel that we will play better cricket this time round.

I went and took a look at the wicket yesterday, and it looked pretty different from the one we played on a fortnight or so ago.

It's much lighter in colour, which means that it is drier.

We have had a great bowling performance in the tournament so far, and the four-pronged pace attack comprising Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken and Shane Watson has worked well for us.

However, this wicket has traditionally assisted spin, so we will take a call on Brad Hogg's inclusion today.

The wickets in this tournament have not been what one can call ideal one-day tracks.

Pitch factor

This is what has brought the teams closer together, and made results a little unpredictable. However, the wicket I saw at Brabourne Stadium looked less bowler-friendly than the earlier tracks, and I think we will have a good final today.

The West Indies have played great cricket in this tournament. The good news for them is that they are no more a team that concentrates on one individual.

Chris Gayle has been outstanding, but Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jerome Taylor, Dwayne Bravo and the others have also made crucial contributions. Whatever happens from here on, the West Indies' performance has been outstanding, and they have a lot to be proud of.

We have never won the Champion's Trophy, but we are not trying too hard or putting pressure on ourselves. We know that if we play our game well, and concentrate on the process, the results will follow.

The last game between these two sides saw a bit of niggle between Michael Clarke and Gayle.

It was interesting and never went overboard, but it is a good build-up for today's game, which promises to be a fiercely fought contest. The other highlight of our stint in Mumbai has been the ICC Awards last evening.

It was wonderful to win in two separate categories, and I won't deny that I am feeling flattered. True, one does not think of these things when one plays a team sport for one's country.

But the recognition of one's peers and former greats in the sport is special, and it was great that the whole team was there to cheer me.

I was also extremely proud and happy for Michael Hussey, as also the other Australians, Karen Rolton and Simon Taufel.

It's been a good year for Australian cricket, and hopefully we will start another fruitful year tomorrow, with the win at the final of the Champion's Trophy.

-Gameplan