A day after regaining the World Cup, Michael Clarke & Co oblige fans including a seven-year-old visually impaired
Christian is seven years old. He is completely blind and uses a walking stick. But there was no way he would miss the Australian team's day-after party at the sun-kissed Federation Square on Monday morning.
Not with Glenn Maxwell in attendance. Standing with his mother Tanya in a corner of the barricaded area, Christian shouted "Maxi, Maxi" to get his favourite cricketer's attention. No sooner did the 26-year-old spot Christian than he requested the security to allow the boy and mother to cross over.
Maxwell squatted, spoke to the thrilled kid, signed his Australian flag, posed for pictures and gave him a tight hug before acknowledging the other fans.
"He thanked me for coming over to support the team," Christian said. "I love Maxi because he is a great batter. I loved it when he cuddled me."
His mother, no less thrilled, said that Christian plays the game. "Tell him about your cricket, son," she said. "Well, I bat and bowl. I do it because I love both. Even Maxi does both," Christian quipped.
Tanya added that Christian was getting necessary help from Vision Australia, a non-profit body. "They organise matches too," she said, adding that her son loves listening to every game. "We sit next to him and tell him what's happening. He then paints a picture in his mind and enjoys it. When God takes away one facet of your life, he gives you something else. Christian knows his way around the house. But when we move a piece of furniture from A to B, we have to inform him. He then redraws those pictures in his mind," Tanya said.
Apart from Maxwell, Christian spent time with Steve Smith, David Warner and Michael Clarke. The Aussies made his day.
"A little hungover"
"A little hungover" was how Clarke described his overriding emotion at the city's most influential public square. Neither Clarke nor his mates tried to hide the possibility that their systems were carrying more alcohol than blood. After a while, even the sunglasses came off.
"I think I speak for everybody in that sense. I guarantee you the boys will continue to celebrate today. It's the Australian way," the World Cup-winning captain said. And the scores of fans, who had gathered to witness their heroes on a stage usually graced by rockstars, reckoned it was totally justified. At least their cheers suggested so.
The victorious Aussies left the MCG at 5am after a night of you know what. They then proceeded to the hotel and partied some more before arriving for a date with their supporters in the heart of the city. The best ODI team on the planet made the 1.5-km from the hotel to Federation Square on foot! Even the World Cup 'travelled' with them. Along the way, they high-fived fans.
"To finally get the prize after a lot of hard work... it went to plan from the start," Clarke said. "We had a great plan, and the bowlers stuck to it. It's incredible work to restrict a side to 180. I think we've got every right to celebrate, to finally get the prize after a lot of hard work."
The media had a field day with every other member of the squad happily mingling with the Fourth Estate.
Clarke, who played a central role in Australia's seven-wicket win over New Zealand on Sunday, reflected on the historic fifth World Cup triumph. "It was the right time to end my ODI career. I've been able to help the team as much as I can. Now it's time to focus on Test cricket, and there's still plenty that I want to achieve. Hopefully this momentum can help us in the upcoming tours, whoever we're playing."
Mitchell Starc, who was adjudged Player of the Tournament for his 22 wickets, was modest enough to say that he "got pretty lucky taking a few wickets". "The boys behind me played a massive part in that. Winning the World Cup is a phenomenal feeling, he said.
Mitchell Johnson praised the ruthlessness with which Australia played in the business end of the tournament. He then spoke like a World Cup winner. "It's surreal at the moment. You get flashbacks of the night and parts of the game," Johnson said.
Shane Watson, who was at the other end when Steve Smith struck the winning runs, added it was "still hard for me to get my head around it and I'm not sure if I ever will".
The all-rounder, who copped flak for his lackluster showing in the tournament showing, said, "There was a bit of added pressure being a home World Cup, but I think that was something we embraced."
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