Captain Ricky Ponting won't be encouraging his team to follow Adam Gilchrist's example by "walking" when Australia contests a fifth cricket World Cup final on Sunday.

Gilchrist staggered Ponting and the rest of his teammates by walking when given "not out" to appeals for caught behind during the 48-run semi-final win over Sri Lanka at St George's Park.

The opening batsman confirmed he'd seen umpire Rudi Koertzen reject the appeal but opted to go anyway, despite the enormity of the occasion and his importance to the Australian innings.

It was a rare and gentlemanly gesture which flew in the face of modern cricket convention.

Gilchrist insisted it was a spur of the moment decision, although he'd been thinking about the principle for some time, and was adamant he wasn't trying to start a trend.

"I saw Rudi give me not out and shake his head, so I just went," said Gilchrist.

"I don't want to have headlines around the world saying I'm making a stand that players should walk but that's my feelings on the scenario and how I can play the game, hopefully."

The vice-captain's gesture was at odds with the usually hard-nosed approach of the Australian team.

Australia's Test captain Steve Waugh is a strict believer in a batsman holding his ground until the umpire orders him to go. Last December, Waugh said walking made about as much sense as a driver dobbing himself in with police for speeding.

Ponting appeared to be of a similar mind as Australia looks forward to defending its World Cup title in the final in Johannesburg on Sunday.

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