Michael Clarke Hails Team Effort After Semi-Final Win

Australian captain Michael Clarke was all praise for his team's collective performance after their 95-run win over India in the World Cup semi-final in Sydney.

The 33-year-old seemed a happy man at the end of the match and lavished praises on his teammates for rising to the occasion in a crunch game.

“Obviously really excited, the boys have played some outstanding cricket.

“Credit should go to all the players. I think everybody’s chipped in today.

“Once again lot of people sacrificed themselves for the team.

“Smithy was exceptional once again; he is hitting the ball so sweetly.

“I was really proud of the execution under pressure of our bowlers.”

Chasing a mammoth target of 329, India faltered after a good opening stand with only skipper Dhoni showing a semblance of a fight with a run-a-ball 65 but it was a task too big even for him.

The defeat marks the end of a long tour for India that started early in December and Clarke praised the team as well as Dhoni for their performances leading up to the semi-final.

“Obviously congratulations and a big thanks to MS Dhoni and the Indian team.

“It’s been a long summer and I think they’ve competed extremely well.

“They’ve shown their talent all throughout the tournament.

“I am pretty sure it’s not going to be his (Dhoni) last World Cup.

"He’s still got a lot of cricket in his body yet.”

Clarke seemed pleased with the momentum gained by his side in recent matches in the crucial phase of the World Cup.

Barring the defeat to New Zealand in Auckland, Australia have hardly looked like being beaten and Clarke termed the loss as the spark behind their improvement in subsequent matches.

While hailing the results produced by his clinical Australian side, Clarke also revealed the lengthy training sessions as a big reason behind the team’s resurgence in all facets of the game.

“We’re playing some really good cricket at the moment.

“I think losing to New Zealand gave us a kick on our backside.

“We worked on areas that we needed to and the most pleasing thing for me is the way we’ve trained.

“Preparation has been outstanding, the boys have turned up every single day to try to be better and our results have shown that.”

Thursday’s win ensured Australia a World Cup final berth for the seventh time in the tournament’s history.

Despite having made their way into the World Cup final, Clarke opines that there is still scope for improvement for his team.

“I still don’t think we’ve played the perfect game yet.

“We’ve improved every game and now we’re excited to be in the final.

“It’s a really wonderful achievement and we’re really proud to have been able to make the final.”

When asked about his team’s final obstacle on Sunday, Clarke conceded that it will not be a stroll in the park of his team.

While praising the New Zealand’s ability as a team, Clarke also lauded Brendon McCullum’s captaincy which he termed as a key factor in the transformation.

“We know it’s going to be tough against New Zealand.

“Yeah, Brendon’s done a fantastic job there as well.

“I think they’ve played some great cricket.”

With the loss at Eden Park fresh in his memory, the Australian captain stressed on the need to put up a clinical performance in the World Cup final on Sunday.

Australia continue to be invincible at home following the win over India but Clarke doesn’t want any complacency creeping into his team ahead of the big game.

“We have to be at our best.

“We said that before tonight’s game. India are always a tough opposition.

“We’ve to play well to beat these great teams. The final will be no different.”

For the first time in World Cup history, the tournament co-hosts will square off in the final although Australia have the home advantage.

While accepting the enormous home advantage possessed by Australia, Clarke urged the local fans to come up in numbers to extend their support.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s always great to play New Zealand.

“I hope so many Aussies can come and support us.

“We always love the support and it’s helped us get the fire in the tournament.

“I’m sure the final will be no different.”

Australia will take on New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday in the final of the 2015 World Cup.

© Cricket World 2015