VB Series

At Perth, February 1, 2004. Australia won by five wickets. Australia 6 pts. Toss: India. One-day international debut: M. E. K. Hussey.

Australia produced a slick performance in a dress rehearsal for the final. With Ponting rested and Bevan injured, Mike Hussey made his debut on his home ground after a decent - if unspectacular - season for Western Australia. Tendulkar and Sehwag returned for India, who might have looked the stronger team on paper, but on the pitch were thrashed. On a WACA strip offering as much pace and bounce as ever, Lee bowled magnificently. In the face of his genuine speed and movement, the Indian batting keeled over, losing their sixth wicket at 101. Australia also lost quick wickets before Gilchrist and Symonds, in a merciless assault, put on 122 in 16 overs. Australia thundered home with 18 overs to spare.

Man of the Match: A. C. Gilchrist. Attendance: 18,858.