Congratulations to our all-conquering World Cup cricket team!

While fierce rivals on the field Australia and New Zealand have a proud tradition of working together. The ICC World Cup has been another clear example of that partnership and no matter the result last night the match was a win for the Pacific region.

How fitting that as the hosts of the ICC World Cup, Australia and New Zealand met in the final.

Following last night’s victory, Australians are rightly proud of our team’s fifth World Cup triumph and the first delivered on home soil.

We particularly acknowledge the leadership of Michael Clarke as he farewelled One Day International Cricket – our nation is proud of you and the entire side. I also congratulate Player of the Tournament Mitchell Starc and Player of the Final James Faulkner.

I would also like to congratulate Brendon McCullum and the New Zealand team for their sportsmanship and particularly guiding their country to their maiden World Cup Final.

The atmosphere at last night’s historic clash capped off a wonderful tournament where Australia again shone on the world stage.

Over one million people attended matches while an estimated one billion people watched on television delivering significant benefits to both the Australian and New Zealand economies.

Thank you to the organisers, the cricket community, those who visited our countries and all of the players, officials and volunteers on a successful tournament.