Cricket fraternity in awe of Australia after fifth triumph

Hail the team's superior performance in the knockout stages

Mitchell Johnson took three wickets for 30 (pic: ICC World Cup's Twitter account)
Press Trust of India Melbourne
Last Updated : Mar 29 2015 | 6:35 PM IST
Global cricket fraternity today lavished rich praise on the Australian team for winning a record fifth World Cup title here today, saying they were "clinical and superior" in the knockout stages of the tournament.

In front of a packed house at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia clinched the coveted ICC World Cup, thrashing New Zealand by seven wickets to provide a perfect sendoff to skipper Michael Clarke, who played a key role with a 74-run knock in his final ODI appearance.

"Well played Australia you were the best team by far and your wins from the quarterfinals onwards were clinical and showed your superiority!," West Indies batting legend Brian Lara wrote on his twitter handle.

Former pace spearhead Glenn McGrath, who was part of an unprecedented three World Cup triumphs, called it a well-deserved win.

"Congratulations to @MClarke23 & @CricketAus on winning the @cricketworldcup Great win boys, very well deserved #CWC15," McGrath tweeted.

After the bowlers produced a clinical performance, skittling out New Zealand for 183, the stage was set for the Australian captain, who used the platform to the fullest with a stylish 72-ball innings as the hosts regained the trophy by winning the match in 33.1 overs to end an eight-year wait.

West Indies star batsman Chris Gayle said, "Congrats @MClarke23 & team Australia on winning the #WorldCup2015. #FullJoy #CWC15 #63NotOut #Champions-well done NZ! Great finish pups ??

Man of the Tournament in the 2011 edition, Yuvraj Singh wrote, "Of producing world class cricketers every generation ex-teammate @mstarc56 for taking man of the series with some exceptional bowling spells."

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman thanked the Black Caps for providing entertainment.

"Bad luck NZ but thank u for entertaining all of us by playing aggressive&positive brand of cricket throughout the WC.Keep it up. #CWC15, the former Hyderabadi batsman tweeted.

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis also congratulated the newly crowned world champions.

"Congrats to Australia. Well deserved Champions. NZ can be proud their campaign too. End of a fabulous WC that has enhanced ODIs reputation.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 29 2015 | 6:28 PM IST

Next Story