Intro:

Australia captain Michael Clarke announced that he will retire from One Day International (ODI) cricket after the World Cup final meeting with New Zealand.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Clarke, Australia captain:

"I think it's the right time for me and the Australian cricket team. I'm, like I say, I was very fortunate four years ago to get the opportunity to captain this one day team and I think that, that was really good preparation for me leading up to this World Cup and I think the next Australia captain deserves the same opportunity. I don't think it's realistic that I'll be here, I'll be fit and healthy for the next, and available to play the next World Cup, so I believe it's the right time."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Clarke, Australia captain (on Sunday's World Cup final):

"It's a wonderful opportunity for every single player in that changing room to walk out on to the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) in a World Cup final, it's a very special event. But, yes, it's no more special because it's my last game. It's.... it's about timing for me and like I say, I think now is the right time to.... to walk away from the one day game."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Clarke, Australia captain (asked when he made the final decision):

"About 48 hours ago. Like I said, through this period, through this World Cup I think in the back of my mind I've been thinking 'am I a chance of playing in the next World Cup?' And I think about 48 hours ago I made the decision that I don't think I will be, and that answered a lot of questions for me. The it was about, obviously, speaking to.... my family and, yes, and working out what I though, again, was, is best for the team. I think there's no doubt I could keep playing for the next couple of years, but I think the team and the next captain deserves, the time that I certainly got as captain in preparation for a major event like the World Cup."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Clarke, Australia captain:

"I don't feel bad about saying Test cricket's the toughest part of our game. I love that challenge. I find it extremely difficult every Test match I play. I do see it as the pinnacle. I love T20 cricket and I love one day cricket and I'll continue to support and, and watch a lot of that.... but yes, I still think I've got a lot to offer the team as captain of the Australian Test team, and I want to make sure I continue to have success in that format."