Ruthless Aussies power into final

AUSTRALIA ruthlessly swept aside their closest challengers on the international stage to march relentlessly towards a fourth successive World Cup final.

Having swept aside all opponents, including final opponents Sri Lanka, on their route to the last four, Australia were expected to be finally given a competitive test on the slow pitch at the Beausejour Stadium.

But instead of being stretched by South Africa, the team nearest to them in the world rankings, Australia simply romped to a seven wickets victory with 18.3 overs remaining despite losing Adam Gilchrist in the second over of their reply.