Couldn't have left on a better note, says Clarke

Michael Clarke signed off as a World Cup winning captain, joining the illustrious list of Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. That Clarke led his team to victory on home soil in front of over 90,000 crowds made the occasion that much more special, along with the fact that Australia now have won the World Cup in all the five continents. 

“I don't think I can leave on a better note,” Clarke said in his post-match press-do that was delayed because he was picked up for the random drug test. “Like I say, there's no such thing as fairy-tales, but it's as close as it gets for me personally. Yeah, the amazing captains you're talking about, I certainly don't see myself in the same light as those captains.

All I can say is it's been an honour and a privilege to not only play for this country but to have the chance to captain Australia is something I'll cherish for the rest of my life. I've enjoyed every single minute of it in the one-day form. Hopefully, it continues in Test cricket,” he noted.

Clarke was given a rousing reception and a send-off by the capacity crowd that was obviously aware of his ODI retirement. Clarke admitted the gesture touched him.

“It's been really special to be honest,” he began. “Like I said, even announcing my retirement from one-day cricket yesterday, I really didn't want to take anything away from the team. Yeah, so even tonight, it's still… That was very special for me personally, but again, I really wanted to run off the field so I didn't take that, I wanted that applause for the team. But we got that.

I think the way the crowd hung around for us to raise that trophy, the World Cup trophy, I think was very special for all the players. This team is full of amazing talent. I think at the end of a lot of their careers they'll be great to the game. I certainly can't ask for anything more,” he remarked.

Clarke dedicated the World Cup to his deceased team-mate Phillip Hughes who passed away in November last after being hit by a bouncer during a Sheffied Shield game in Sydney. He had also worn a black armband through the tournament as a mark of respect for Hughes.

“Yeah, it makes it more special, there's no doubt about it,” he said. “I think Hughesy is thought about and spoken about on a daily basis. I think probably the last couple of months, for me personally, it's probably been harder than when he first passed away. I've been in regular contact with his sister and his family. And I know they would have been watching tonight.

I guess that's what makes it so special, that we are still thinking about him. We are still talking about him, and we always will. Like I say, I won't play another game, I certainly won't play a Test match without his Test number on my hat, and I'll wear this black armband for the rest of my career. You know, we've spoken about it as a team. We believe we played this World Cup with 16 players in our squad, and that will continue for the rest of my career, that's for sure,” said the New South Welshman.