Australia brought out 'A' game in final: Faulkner

Melbourne, March 29 (IANS) Australian all-rounder James Faulkner, who etched his name in history by winning the Player of the Match award in the cricket World Cup final, said that his team brought out their 'A' game against New Zealand here on Sunday.

Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets and with 101 balls to spare to clinch the sport’s ultimate prize for the fifth time at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). There have only been 10 quadrennial World Cups until Sunday (Sunday's was the 11th), and Australia have won five of these.

“We brought out our 'A' game today against New Zealand,” Faulkner said at the post-match presentation ceremony after receiving the award from former Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar.

“It's an amazing feeling. To play in front of 93,013 fans here at the MCG and win a World Cup is amazing.”

The all-rounder said he took up the challenge when skipper Michael Clarke gave him the ball during New Zealand’s batting powerplay as he loves his job. The pacer finished with figures of 9-1-36-3, taking the vital wickets of Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson and Grant Elliot.

“I suppose I get tossed the ball when the skipper wants me to bowl. Normally it's in the powerplay and I love that job,” said the left-hander.

The hard-hitting batsman said that he didn’t think he would be playing in the World Cup as he was diagnosed with a moderate side strain just ahead of the mega event.

“Definitely, I would be lying if there wasn't a moment when I thought I wouldn't be here today. But the physios looked after me and amazing I am here today and it's an amazing feeling,” Faulkner concluded.