WE DID IT!!!! WE WON THE WORLD CUP FOR THE THIRD TIME IN A ROW!!!!!

This game of cricket was always going to be special, and it really did turn out to be one of the best in which I have ever played. Not one of the closest, and not one of the most exciting, but certainly one of the most satisfying.

We have worked assiduously towards this win for a very long time. The planning done by John Buchanan, Ricky Ponting and the rest of the leadership team has evolved over several years, and the way all of our team members slotted into the "Big Picture" has been truly amazing. (And don't let us forget the planning, training and application that went into winning back the Ashes from England,  where the same sort of things can be said!) "Buck" has been a wonderful influence on Australian cricket, as well as on the lives of the members of the team. I will be eternally thankful to him, as he has been in charge of every Test and most of the ODIs in which I have played for Australia. The way he helped me to fit into International scene was most helpful, and very much appreciated.

To work through the performances of each and every member of the squad during the World Cup campaign would take a long time, and would be simply full of superlatives. I might take that step later, but just now, let me close this brief blog entry by saying thank you to all the well-wishers and fans who have encouraged me and the rest of the team to this victory.

You are very important to me, and I really appreciate your support.