Captain Clarke dedicates World Cup win to late Hughes

Melbourne, March 29 (IANS) Australia captain Michael Clarke on Sunday dedicated their cricket World Cup win to deceased batsman Phillip Hughes, who died on November 27 after being struck on the head by a bouncer two days earlier during a domestic match.

Australia crushed New Zealand in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Chasing a paltry target of 184, Australia got over the line with seven wickets and 101 balls to spare.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Clarke said he would keep on wearing the blackband on his arm with PH (Phillip Hughes) inscribed on it and would dedicate the World Cup to the left-handed batsman. Hughes represented Australia in 26 Test matches and 25 One-Day Internationals.

“The blackband is, you can see PH written on it. I will wear it every game I play for Australia. Tonight is dedicated to our little brother Phil Hughes. Hughesy used to party as good as any of them as we have won for him tonight,” Clarke, who scored a superb 74, said.

The skipper for whom it was his last game in the yellow jersey also credited New Zealand for being a “tough team to beat” throughout the tournament.

“Brendon (McCullum) and New Zealand deserve a lot of credit. (They are) always a tough team to beat, whenever we play them in any sport. So, well done to Baz and his team, especially personally, he had an amazing performance,” he said.

Asked what he felt like after winning the trophy, the 33-year-old said he felt over the moon and believes they are the deserving champions.

"I feel over the moon, what a tournament it has been, thanks to every Australian and cricket supporter out there who've been behind us. The team and support staff, the support I've had since coming back into the team, they deserve to stand there with the trophy," he said.

On handing his number 23 shirt to his peers, Clarke jokingly said: "Might give it back to Warney (Shane Warne from whom he got it)... Haven't given it much though, time is right to walk away from one-day cricket but I'll still be playing in Tests.”

“It's a wonderful achievement, to win in our own backyard in front of family and friends," he said.