Australian captain Michael Clarke on Sunday dedicated his team's World Cup triumph to Philip Hughes, who tragically lost his life in a freak on-field accident, saying that the late “teammate and little brother” was considered part of the squad through the tournament.

“It has been really tough few months and all the players [15 in the squad] would say we played this World Cup with 16 players. Tonight is dedicated to our little brother,” Clarke said at the post-match presentation after Australia thrashed New Zealand by seven wickets at the summit clash at the MCG.

Hughes died after being hit on his neck by a bouncer during an Australian domestic Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground three days before he was to turn 26.

“Hughesy used to party as well as any of us. Tonight, we will party with one drink kept for ‘little brother’,” he said.

Clarke, who had announced that the World Cup grand finale would be his last ODI, said that he will also continue to wear the black armband on which is written PH (in the name of Philip Hughes).

“It (black armband) has got PH on it. I will wear it every time I play for Australia,” said Clarke.

Clarke, who scored a 72—ball 74 today to bow out of ODI cricket on a high, said it was right time for him to quit the shorter format of the game.

“It is the right time to walk away from one—day cricket, I’ll still be playing Test cricket,” he said.

“We’re really proud, it’s a wonderful achievement, to win in our own backyard in front of family and friends. We are like over the moon, what a tournament for us!” he added.

He also praised the New Zealand team for its strong performance in the World Cup.

“Brendon and NZ deserve a lot of credit, always a tough team to beat, whenever we play them in any sport — so well done to Baz (Brendon McCullum) and his team, especially personally, he had an amazing performance,” he said.

Asked if his ODI jersey number 23 will be retired or be given to somebody, he joked, “Might give it back to Warney [Shane Warne]. He gave it to me. I have not given it much thought."\

Thanks all round

Clarke thanked the team support staff and the cricket fans in Australia and all over the world for their support.

“Thanks to every Australian and cricket supporter out there who’ve been behind us. The team and support staff, the support I’ve had since coming back into the team, they deserve to stand there with the trophy,” he said.

“We were ready mentally and we managed to get it all together physically,” he added.

Hell of a ride: McCullum

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said his side played a some outstanding cricket but finally ran into a formidable Australian team.

“It’s been one hell of a ride for us. We played some outstanding cricket right through the tournament. We ran into an outstanding team in Australia in the final, they continue to set the standard. Michael Clarke bows out on a high note, they deserved to win,” he said.

“We did not lift the trophy but no regrets. The brand of cricket we’ve played, we will walk away with our heads held high. It’s the greatest time of our lives and that’s how we tried to play the game, with a free spirit and heart. Still think we can be very proud of our achievements in this tournament,” he added.

McCullum said that things did not panned out the way his side thought after electing to bat in the final.

“It probably unfolded not as planned, but we got ourselves back in the game at 150 for three. With 180, you still dare to dream could have ended up differently with a couple of things going our way,” he said.

“This is what you ask for as a cricketer, we’ve had the opportunity. We’ve forged memories and friendships that will last forever,” said Clarke.

James Faulkner, who was adjudged man-of-the-match for his brilliant bowling effort of 3/36, said that he might not have been here today due to injury.

“Pretty amazing feeling, in front of 90,000 at the MCG. We’ve had an amazing journey the last couple of years. The skipper tosses you the ball and it works out like that sometimes. I thought I might not be here today, so this is an amazing feeling.”

Starc's glory

Player-of-the-Tournament Mitchell Starc, who picked up 22 wickets with his left-arm fast bowling, said that his fine show was a result of hard works over the past few months.

“I’ve worked really hard for a number of months now, a few series ago we sat down and to see it come to fruition it’s been phenomenal,” he said.

“Amazing tournament, some outstanding performances but to cap it off with the trophy. NZ have set the standard all tournament but we led it home,” he added.

Asked about the delivery with which he got the wicket of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, he said, “I was little lucky. It was a plan [bowling coach] Craig [McDermott] and I had but to see it executed. Brendon has been fantastic all tournament. The fans have been fantastic, to win in front of this many people,there’s nothing like it. Going to enjoy this one for now.”
(PTI)