Australia's Fifth World Cup Win Praised by Cricket Fraternity
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.
The global cricket fraternity on Sunday 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.(Australia Win World Cup)
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 send-off to skipper Michael Clarke, who played a key role with a 74-run knock in his final ODI appearance.(Clarke, Smith Leave Their Mark)
"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.(Clarke Dedicates Win to Hughes)
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."
Pakistan's maverick all-rounder Shahid Afridi said, "Congrats to the @CricketAus on an outstanding trnmnt.Terrific cricketers, worthy & brilliant co-hosts as @BLACKCAPS surely u were brilliant."
While another Pakistani cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq wrote, "Congratulations to Australia who win their fifth World Cup."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan too congratulated the winners.
"World Champions ... Well done Australia. Very fitting that Australia are crowned World Champions .... #63NotOut #riphughsey.
Ex-Australian pacer Jason Gillespie wrote, "Yes lads! Congratulations! Awesome effort! Great tournament NZ too."
Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar was in awe of Australian cricket.
"Four title wins in last 5 world cups is a testimony to the Australian cricket culture. Well done Australia!"
Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi was happy for Clarke.
"Well done MClarke ...gr8 way to leave the ODI scene!Now here's wishing U to get stuck into Test Crkt & raise the OZ bar fr other nations!!
Star England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff said, "Australia coped with the pressure very impressively. Deserved to win in front of their own record crowd, congrats!"