Sanath Jayasuriya’s family is set to join him in Bridgetown for Saturday's final with Australia. Jayasuriya's wife Sandra and three young children were due to leave for London en route to Barbados, a family friend told AFP.

Jayasuriya, who played a stellar role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup triumph in 1996, failed in the semi-final win over New Zealand. One of the world's most destructive batsmen on his day, Jayasuriya has hit centuries against Bangladesh and host West Indies in the current tournament.

Mahinda Rajapakse, Sri Lanka's President, also made a previously unscheduled visit to Barbados on Thursday to witness his country play Australia in the finals.