Clarke sends message of congratulations to Stars
Victorious Stars welcomed home
The ICC World T20-winning Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are back in Australia, and have been welcomed home with a reception at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Recently sworn in Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, paid tribute to the Southern Stars after they made history with a third consecutive WT20 title.
Cosgrove, a self-proclaimed “sporting tragic”, said that not only was he filled with pride after Australia’s tournament win but he thought it was safe to speak on behalf of 23 million other Australians.
Federal Member for Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull, said it is “always satisfactory” for an Australian sporting team to beat “the Poms” in reference to the Stars’ opponent in the decider.
Quick Single: Stars beat England in World T20 final
The team’s major sponsor, the Commonwealth Bank, also announced it had arranged for the Sydney Observatory to name a star – a real one – after the players.
Coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick paid tribute to her players, saying the victory seemed to “be scripted” for a group that performs well both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, allrounder Ellyse Perry – who hit the winning runs in the final against England – suggested the ICC Team of the Tournament could have included more Southern Stars players.
Quick Single: Coyte unlucky to miss ICC's best
Only skipper Meg Lanning and Perry were named in the team although Player of the Final, Sarah Coyte, could consider herself unlucky.
With nine wickets (third overall in the tournament) at an average of 11.22 and a miserly economy rate of 4.80, Coyte certainly made a strong case for inclusion.
The Reception in Tweets
Winners are grinners! @SouthernStars pic.twitter.com/g2yxou7jDj
— CA Digital Media (@CricketAus) April 9, 2014
The money shot! Well done @SouthernStars and thanks for your support Australia. #3peat pic.twitter.com/oRX51TMubA
— Southern Stars (@SouthernStars) April 9, 2014
#3peat complete baby. Thanks to the @CommBank for all their support. Proud to be a part of the @SouthernStars pic.twitter.com/fBE6IYTVVG
— Jessica Jonassen (@JJonassen21) April 9, 2014
"I don't know who picked the @ICC team of the tournament but maybe we could've had a few more selected": Ellyse Perry pic.twitter.com/pBvSmsQCmg
— Southern Stars (@SouthernStars) April 9, 2014
"#Cricket is the game that unites Australia" - @TurnbullMalcolm at the @SouthernStars victory reception #ASportForAll pic.twitter.com/ovOzCkWB2Q
— CA Digital Media (@CricketAus) April 9, 2014
There's the third @ICC #WT20 trophy! And with it the champion @CommBank @SouthernStars here at the @SCG. pic.twitter.com/tWxmMfxWFg
— Southern Stars (@SouthernStars) April 9, 2014
The pride of Australia with the @ICC #WT20 trophy at today's @SCG reception. #ThreePeat pic.twitter.com/VmX7fseOWD
— Southern Stars (@SouthernStars) April 9, 2014
Yep this just happened, the @CommBank just named a star after us! It's called the Commonwealth Bank @SouthernStars :) pic.twitter.com/2se9fI6riH
— Elyse Villani (@ElyseVillani) April 9, 2014
Deserve all recognition + support you receive - congrats to @SouthernStars #threepeat @CricketAus @TurnbullMalcolm pic.twitter.com/W571u3tT3V
— Gabrielle Upton MP (@gabrielleupton) April 9, 2014
#3peat is complete thank you everyone for their support especially the @CommBank #commbankcan #wecan #worldchamps pic.twitter.com/UhJZOjL4YO
— Delissa Kimmince (@Delissak) April 9, 2014
Thanks to the @CommBank for your continued support of the @SouthernStars. Can't wait to view "our star" #whatagift pic.twitter.com/gIPjhsBaPa
— Rene Farrell (@Fezzy88Rene) April 9, 2014
We are officially a STAR!! Thanks to @CommBank for naming a star after the @SouthernStars #twinkletwinklelittlestar pic.twitter.com/rGGpu8jqFr
— Holly Ferling (@Holly_Ferling) April 9, 2014
Amazing to have been a part of all 3 World T20 victories with my @SouthernStars teammates. Well done team! #3peat pic.twitter.com/zXwfritZqm
— Alex Blackwell (@AlexBlackwell2) April 9, 2014