Melbourne: 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.
