Aussies keep cool Head to stun India

Travis ton steers Pat's heroes home as hosts flop in front of expectant crowd

- DARREN WITCOOP

TRAVIS HEAD was not even in India when Australia's World Cup campaign began. But the selectors' faith paid off lavishly as his outstanding century led his country to glory for the sixth time.

Australia quietened the support from the 100,000-strong home crowd in Ahmedabad by downing a crestfallen India.

The stunning six wicket final victory means the Aussies extend their record as the most successful side in 50-over World Cup history. It also caps a six-month period in which they beat India to win the World Test Championship and retained the Ashes in England.

And they had Head, who hit 137 off 120 balls, to thank. Joining up late due to a fractured left hand that sidelined him for Australia's first four matches, he scored a century in his first appearance against New Zealand.