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Australia defeated India in front of over 90,000
spectators in Ahmedabad to win their sixth men’s ODI World Cup. These are the
players’ initial responses following the scoring of the winning runs.
Josh Hazlewood: “I think this is bigger [than
2015]. Obviously we had won at home in front of our home fans, but the
challenges we’ve been through in the last couple of months – coming here, and
playing in those conditions against India, which is a pretty special team.
Again, to win on a day like this is amazing. Such a great crowd; the Indian
fans are second to none. A couple had started leaving there towards the end,
but some crowd! I think that’s just the belief that’s in the squad. The first
two games were against probably the two of the better teams in the competition,
but to sort of to be knocking on wood the whole tournament basically and just
been on a run. I think tonight was our perfect game just about. We put it
together when it counts”
Marnus Labuschagne: “What we’ve achieved today is
unbelievable. It’s the best achievement I’ve ever been part of. Just to come to
India… Ten from ten, with one to play – they’ve been the team of the
tournament. They’ve played unbelievably. But you knew if we played our best
cricket, we had a chance. Our bowlers were sensational, and then Travis put on
a hell of a display. It’s great to be a part of it. I know you guys know I’m a
man of faith, and believe in God. The way everything’s happened is unbelievable
to me. It’s just amazing; I’m lost for words. The amount of times I thought I’m
done – even last night the team didn’t get named until about 10.10 [pm].
Coaches went to the ground – might be dewy, I might be out. I’m very thankful
to them for sticking with me. I don’t have many words to explain. Few months
ago, I wasn’t even in South Africa in the one-day team; and to play 19 games
straight is truly a miracle. I don’t know how; I give thanks to God for
that.”
Glenn Maxwell: “It feels amazing. I think we all
pretty much got excited when it got down to 20 [required]. I had sort of
resigned to the fact that I wouldn’t have to bat – much like [in] 2015 – but
unfortunately Heady got out. But it was nice to be out there with Marnus, and
have the guys come out – and what a win! It’s a bit different when you watch
Heady take on Bumrah; not so often you’re next in… but how good were those
two! Marnus soaked the pressure out there – he was absolutely outstanding – and
Heady, that ball striking, under pressure in a final was second to none.”
Mitchell Marsh: “Pure elation. I said to a few
boys just earlier – it’s been hard. We won when Sri Lanka were 0 for 120; that
feels like a lifetime ago. But to be here with this group, it’s
unbelievable.”