Captain Michael Clarke dedicated Australia’s fifth World Cup title to his former team-mate Phillip Hughes. Batsman Hughes died at the age of 25 after being struck on the neck by a bouncer in Sydney, in November.
“I’m sure everybody on this stage will say we played this World Cup with 16 players,” said Clarke after his team’s seven-wicket win over New Zealand.
“Hughesy used to party as good as any of them so I guarantee we’ll celebrate hard tonight.”
After Australia bowled out New Zealand for 183, Clarke led from the front with 74 as the hosts knocked off the runs in 33.1 overs at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Clarke, who read a moving eulogy at Hughes’ funeral, batted with a black armband carrying the player’s initials in his final one-day international.
“As you can see it’s got PH on it. I’ll wear it every game I play for Australia,” added Clarke.
“I think for everybody in Australian cricket it’s been really tough few months. Tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and our team-mate Phillip Hughes.” (BBC Sport)