March 28, 2015 2:24 PM

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Michael Clarke to quit ODI after WC final tomorrow

Australian Skipper Michael Clarke has announced his retirement from One Day International cricket after tomorrow's World Cup final againsts co-hosts New Zealand at Melbourne.The stylish right-hander announced his retirement at the pre-match media conference in Melbourne today.Clarke, who is just four days short of his 34th birthday, has played 244 ODIs till now, scoring 7,907 runs, at an average of 44.42. He has to his name 8 hundreds and 57 half-centuries.Clarke, who retired from the Twenty-20 format in 2011, will continue to play for Australia in Tests. Meanwhile, stage is set for the title clash of the 11th World Cup tomorrow. Australia and New Zealand, co-hosts as well as arch-rivals, will come head-to-head at the famous MCG for the coveted trophy.All India Radio will broadcast live commentary on the match. It can be heard on the Rajdhani channel and FM Gold network from 8:30 AM onwards.AIR correspondent reports that Clarke, making his final ODI appearance, will give his best shot in front of the home crowd to win them the fifth World title, while the Black Caps will leave no stone unturned to spoil Clarke's party and claim the top trophy for the first time.It will be a clash of the titans at the iconic MCG tomorrow. On one side, there is a team which is undefeated, and had beaten the 4-time champions in the nail-biting group match earlier in this tournament.On the other hand, there will be the spirited Kangaroos, whose veins will be bursting with confidence following that convincing victory over defending champions India in the semi-finals.The Aussies have an 85-35 win record against their neighbours in ODIs, which also includes 4 victories in the 6 World Cup matches they have played against each other. Home ground advantage, and 14-4 win record against the Kiwis at the ground will undoubtedly give Michael Clarke's Men an edge in this game.But, going by the recent run, and with the form the flawless Black Caps are in, the Aussies won't have it the easy way.To sum it up, all road will lead to Melbourne tomorrow, where it will be a battle between McCullum's fearless brigade looking to become first-time titlists, and Clarke's Men who would want that beauty for the fifth time on their home soil.

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