Marnus Labuschagne has thanked God after helping Australia win the World Cup.
Travis Head's outstanding century carried Australia to World Cup glory for the sixth time as they downed all-conquering India to silence over 110,000 home fans in Ahmedabad.
The hosts brushed aside all-comers - including Australia in their opening group game - as they marched to the final with a 100 per cent record, but came up short in a six-wicket loss in front of an enormous but increasingly morose crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium
The profoundly religious Labuschagne played an important supporting role on the day finishing on 58 with his wicket intact.
Speaking after the match, he said: 'mate, it’s the best achievement I’ve ever been part of. India have been the team of the tournament, they’ve been unbelievable, but… you know, if we played our best cricket we’re a chance.
Marnus Labuschagne has thanked God after helping Australia win the World Cup
'I’m a man of faith, I believe in God, and the way things have panned out for me in this tournament has been unbelievable.
'Three months ago I wasn’t even in the squad for South Africa, so to play 19 games straight is a miracle. I’m lost for words.
'The amount of times I thought, “I’m done”. Even last night, the team wasn’t named until about 10 to 10. My eyes went to the ground.'
Labuschagne previously revealed the meaning behind the eagle graphic on his bat was linked to his favourite Bible verse.
The profoundly religious Labuschagne played an important supporting role in the final
It comes from Isaiah 40:31 and reads: 'For those that hope in the Lord, he shall renew their strength. He shall soar on wings like eagles. He shall run and not grow weary and talk and not be faint.'
'Everyone knows cricket is a major part of my life but the value of me as a person isn't in cricket - it's in my faith,' Labuschagne said.
'I grew up with Christianity going back to when I was a young kid, laying in my bed praying every night.
'I might not be the carbon copy Australian cricketer that people thought, but I'm me.'
