'Winning World Cup was unreal', Faulkner recalls the 2015 final
Australian all-rounder James Faulkner described how it felt after laying hands on the coveted World Cup trophy in 2015. Faulkner, who was named the Player of the Final, revealed that winning the World Cup was "ten times greater" than receiving the Man of the Match trophy. Hosts Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
New Zealand's top three batsmen Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson were removed by the Australians below 40. However, Grant Elliott and Ross Taylor rode New Zealand to 150/3 following the assault. James Faulkner came into the attack and provided two quick breakthroughs. He later dismissed the dangerous Elliott as well. Faulkner finished with 36/3 as the Kiwis were bundled out on 183.
"Winning the World Cup was 10 times better than winning Player of the Match. When we received the trophy and Pup lifted it up on stage, it was unreal. The walk around the ground as well, seeing friends and family. It was surreal," Faulkner said.
Australia lost Aaron Finch early on with Trent Boult dismissing him. David Warner too departed in the 13th over, but contributed a pivotal 45 to set the tone for Australia. Skipper Michael Clarke (74) and Smith (56*) then shared a 112-run stand for the third wicket to seal the game for Australia. Faulkner was later rewarded for his match-winning performance in a high-voltage final.
Faulkner opened up on how he trapped Taylor and Elliott with his gutsy variations in the first innings. "Taylor was starting to be a bit more aggressive, but it was just a gut feel to start with a slower ball," he said. He added, "He threw the kitchen sink at it and that was the end of him. I gave him a little send-off."
