Michael Clarke signed off from One-day cricket on a high on Sunday after Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the World Cup final at the MCG and fittingly dedicated the triumph to Philip Hughes, who tragically lost his life in a freak on-field accident.
"It has been really tough few months and all the players would say we played this World Cup with 16 players. Tonight is dedicated to our little brother," he said, at the post-match presentation.
Hughes died after being hit on his neck by a bouncer during an Australian domestic Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground three days before he was to turn 26.
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"Hughesy used to party as well as any of us. Tonight, we will party with one drink kept for 'little brother'," Australia’s captain said.
Clarke, who had announced that the World Cup grand finale would be his last ODI, said he will also continue to wear the black armband on which is written PH (the initials of Philip Hughes).
"It (the black armband) has got PH on it. I will wear it every time I play for Australia," he declared.
Clarke, who scored a 72-ball 74 in the final, said it was right time for him to quit the shorter format of the game.
"It is the right time to walk away from one-day cricket, I'll still be playing Test cricket.
"We're really proud, it's a wonderful achievement, to win in our own backyard in front of family and friends. We are like over the moon, what a tournament for us!"
He also praised the New Zealand team for its strong performance in the World Cup.
"Brendon (McCullum) and New Zealand deserve a lot of credit; always a tough team to beat whenever we play them in any sport; so well-done to Baz (Brendon McCullum) and his team, especially personally, he had an amazing performance."
Asked if his ODI jersey number 23 will be retired or be given to somebody, he joked, "Might give it back to Warney (Shane Warne). He gave it to me.
"I have not given it much thought."
