For all the hype leading up to Melbourne on Sunday, it can be said the contest for the world cricket crown lasted but only five deliveries. Brendon McCullum, the man behind New Zealand’s dream campaign during the 11th edition of the cricket World Cup with his aggression, was out without scoring to Mitchell Starc.

The die was cast. The spirited challengers to the Australian dominance of the game over the last two decades were jolted into adopting a defensive strategy in their batting. That sealed the fate of the Kiwis, with Michael Clarke and Steve Smith providing the finishing touches to the successful Australian chase for the title.

Read: Captain Clarke bows out with Australia's fifth World Cup title

Clarke, the master in a more traditional mould, played his last ODI innings, and Smith, the likely successor, used the grand stage to display his flair for innovation. This was some spectacle to be inspired by.

As always, this World Cup also has its own stories of near misses, of potential winners and botched attempts, of underdogs and chokers. There would be memories of artists with bat and ball and of workmen determined to get the job done.

All these accounts add to the romance of the game and none should detract anything from the Australian feat.

To have won the cup five times in the span of 28 years is an achievement any country would be proud of. Additionally, as the co-hosts along with New Zealand, Australia would be pleased by the element of speed and mobility this latest edition has highlighted.

Also read| Comment: When the Australians took World Cup for granted

This was a tournament remarkable for its pace — reflected in the bowling analyses as well as in the rate at which the runs were amassed. But as the old cautious approach built upon conservation and consolidation fades out, there were indications the thinkers were willing to consider corrections to restore a more equal competition between the bat and the ball. The conclusion of a World Cup tournament is a good time for initiating these much-needed changes to make the contest as even as possible.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2015

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