84,336 attend World Cup opener at MCG

Melbourne, Feb 14 (IANS) A gigantic crowd of almost 85,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) cheered Australia to victory as they beat arch-rivals England by 111 runs in the World Cup opener here Saturday.

According to Cricket Australia (CA), the official attendance for the game was 84,336. CA tweeted, “The official attendance for the #AUSvENG @cricketworldcup opener at the @MCG is 84,336. #GoGold”.

Most fans were seen in the traditional 'yellow-gold' and the ‘baggy greens’ who broke into a jig whenever Australia were clobbering England bowlers to the ropes.

Also spotted in audience were stuffed or inflated Kangaroos which were held up in the air. A highly pleased crowd rose up to acknowledge the superb performance of their team as they walked off the field after victory.

Australia captain George Bailey said it was a “very special moment” leading the side in front of a packed stadium.

“The anthems were spectacular and you like seeing the top stands fill up at the MCG and you know you are in for a big crowd. Hopefully they enjoyed themselves,” said Bailey.