Crowd trouble overshadowed the finale to the Triangular Series at Lord's on Saturday when a beer can was thrown at celebrating Australian players on the pavilion balcony.

Extra security measures, introduced in the aftermath of disturbances at Edgbaston, Headingley and Trent Bridge earlier in the tournament, appeared to have controlled any flash-points as Australia wrapped up a nine-wicket final success over Pakistan with 23.3 overs remaining.

But as soon as the presentation of medals to the triumphant world champions had concluded, the ceremony was halted after a full can of beer was thrown from the crowd below and struck Michael Bevan on the cheek.

Roger Knight, secretary of the MCC, immediately sought to clarify Bevan's injury and the presentation ceremony was concluded inside and cast a further shadow over the finale to the tournament, which has been plagued by crowd trouble from the start.

That incident, just minutes away from the conclusion of the day's proceedings, has dominated the headlines rather than the superb display of the Australians to repeat their World Cup final triumph of two years ago and complete an emphatic victory.

Despite the next World Cup not due to take place in South Africa for a further two years, Australia have already earmarked themselves as favourites with another display stunning in its simplicity and execution.

Dismissing Pakistan for a meagre 152, they paced their innings to perfection by overcoming a tight early spell from Wasim Akram before accelerating through the gears to complete their nine wickets triumph with 23.3 overs remaining. Australian captain Steve Waugh said: It could have been serious, it could have hit him in the eye."

Bevan, who has been interviewed by police, admitted: "I wasn't too sure what happened myself. I felt something hit the side of my head and it wasn't until a few minutes later that we found it was a full beer can.

"I wasn't turning towards that direction. I think I've got out of it pretty well at this stage. I've had a quick check-up. I suppose we might have to wait until the morning to see how it is.

"It could have happened to any other player, I was just the unlucky one. It really could have done me a lot more damage. It could have hit me in the eye, the nose, the mouth or anywhere, or the temple. I've probably got away with it. "The authorities have got to look back over the series and say can we improve in any way, shape or form on this. It was going well today and unfortunately an incident like that marred an otherwise uneventful day."