KOLKATA, Nov 18: All-rounders Michael Clarke and Ian Harvey were unlikely stars in Australia’s 37-run win over India in the triangular one-day cricket series final on Tuesday.

Clarke slammed a brisk 44 not out off just 28 balls to help world champions Australia post a competitive 235 for five wickets after Damien Martyn had scored a gutsy 61 on a turning pitch where stroke-making was not easy.

He then returned as a left-arm spinner to grab two wickets at crucial stages as India were bundled out for 198, much to the disappointment of nearly 100,000 spectators at the Eden Gardens.

Man-of-the-match Clarke was brilliantly supported by seamer Harvey, who bagged four late wickets off eight balls to shatter India’s hopes of avenging their World Cup final defeat against Ricky Ponting’s Australians.

“It was a terrible batting performance,” said Rahul Dravid, who led India in the absence of unfit Sourav Ganguly (groin strain).

“A total of 235 was gettable, but batsmen let us down. We did not have a good day in the field, but still our bowlers did a good job to restrict them to a modest total. Australia deserved to win.”

India dropped as many as five catches before putting up a brittle batting performance.

Dravid (49) and Sachin Tendulkar (45) alone offered some resistance in a day-night match of fluctuating fortunes, but their efforts were not good enough to stop Australia from posting their sixth successive win in the tournament.

“Cricket we played in this tournament was simply outstanding,” said Ponting.

“I am extremely happy with our performance as we missed our regular fast bowlers (Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee). It shows the depth of Australian cricket. We kept improving with each match.”

India suffered big setbacks when seamer Andy Bichel uprooted Tendulkar’s off-stump and then Clarke bowled Dravid.

Ajit Agarkar smashed two sixes in his 25-ball 26 not out, but it was too late.

“I think it was my day,” said Clarke.

“It was a great experience bowling in India. I am happy with my performance as I don’t bowl too much in Australia.”

India were indebted to spinners Murali Kartik and Harbhajan Singh for containing Australia.

The spinners shared two wickets, but conceded just 64 runs in 20 overs to ensure the dropped catches did not prove costly.

Martyn hit six fours in his 19th half-century before driving part-time spinner Virender Sehwag to mid-on where Yuvraj Singh held an easy catch. He put on 80 for the third wicket with Ponting (36).

Michael Bevan, batting with a runner due to a hamstring injury, steered Australia past the 200-mark with an unbeaten 40. He added 65 for the unfinished sixth wicket with Clarke.

India had an opportunity to contain Australia below the 200-mark, but failed to cash in on the chances that came their way after the tourists had elected to bat.

Venkatsai Laxman, usually a safe fielder, was the chief culprit as he grassed as many as four catches.

Matthew Hayden (19) and Ponting each got two ‘lives’ while Bevan was let off even before he had reached double-figures.

Scoreboard

AUSTRALIA