The twins were informed that Edward Waugh had died at the age of 89.

"I've just heard from the boys and they're very upset," said Rodger Waugh, father of the twins.

"It has put a dampener on everything."

The Waughs were aware of their grandfather's weakened state before the start of the competition and vowed to win it for him.

Mixed feelings

Steve and Mark now face the prospect of returning to Australia on Wednesday for what is sure to be a heroes welcome and then attending the funeral the following day.

Mark said: "There will be a massive reception for the players in Melbourne on Wednesday, but my grandfather passing away will mean I'll have mixed feelings.

"It's all very sad. I'm just hoping that he saw the game before he passed away. It would have been great if he had seen us win the World Cup before he died."

Steve added: "Of course it's very sad but good things come out of bad things. The main thing was that he didn't suffer."