The holders beat Australia in the first round group stage and maintained that form as they dispatched South Africa by six wickets in the semifinals.

"West Indies have got a lot of fantastic players and have played well as a team.

"They've got the likes of Lara, Gayle and some young guys coming on," said Australia batsman Michael Clarke.

The Champions Trophy is the one major title Australia have never won.

They are the game's top ranked one-day side and will start favourites in the final, having beaten England, India and New Zealand impressively since losing to Brian Lara's side.

"After losing the first game we knew it was going to be a tough run.

"We knew we had to play very good cricket to end up where we are now and I think we have done that," said Clarke.

"It didn't bother me at all who we'd play in the final once Australia got there.

"It's a pretty big tournament, and hopefully we will play better than the West Indies and win the final."

Clarke and West Indies opener Chris Gayle were involved in a verbal exchange during the first round match, but only Gayle was fined by match referee Mike Procter for breaching the players' code of conduct.

"Chris and I get along very well. I have known him since I was 18 - I met him at the Australian Cricket Academy. I look forward to friendly banter out there again," Clarke commented.