Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and opted to bat at the World Cup final against Sri Lanka in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday.

Steady rain during the day reduced the match to 38 overs a side. Play started at 1215 hours local time after persistent rain finally cleared and the covers were removed.

Only three bowlers can bowl eight overs, while two seven. Also, due to the reduction in the number of overs, there will be no third Powerplay.

Australia, seeking their third consecutive world title, included seam bowler Glenn McGrath for the last time before he retires from the game.

Sri Lanka pace bowler Dilhara Fernando kept his place ahead of Farveez Maharoof despite his poor display in the semi-final win over New Zealand.

West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor is taking charge of his fifth successive World Cup final.

Teams:

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, Brad Hogg, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait, Glenn McGrath.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumara Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Chaminda Vaas, Mutthiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando.

Umpires: Steve Bucknor (West Indies), Aleem Dar (Pakistan), Third umpire: Rudi Koertzen (South Africa)

Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (New Zealand).