Australia's World Cup winning wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has defended his sledging in the World Cup final against New Zealand, saying the Kiwis "deserved it".
"They were that nice to us in New Zealand and we were that uncomfortable," Haddin told Triple M in Sydney.
"I said in the team meeting: 'I can't stand for this any more. We're going at them as hard as we can.'
"It was that uncomfortable. All they were was that nice to us for seven days.
"I said, 'I'm not playing cricket like this. If we get another crack at these guys in the final I'm letting everything [out]'. "
New Zealand's Martin Guptill, Grant Elliott and Dan Vettori each received hefty send-offs, with Haddin involved in confrontations with Guptill and Elliott.
Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum declined to delve into the issue when pressed on it after the match.
"It wasn't really discussed within the group. Send-offs are send-offs. It's not something we necessarily are concerned about," he said.
"I think the focus should be on how well Australia played and how they deserve this victory, rather than any minor issues on the way through."
Australian skipper Michael Clarke said after the match that he hadn't seen anything to be unhappy about.
"I can't remember a player getting a send-off. Maybe I was too far from the action," he said.
"Obviously it's a World Cup final. There's passion, there's excitement, there's adrenalin running through the guys' bodies," he said.
"I don't think there was anything that was below the belt."
STILL CELEBRATING
Haddin didn't only defend his behaviour in his chat with Triple M, he also described the scene of Australia's celebrations – which sounded as though they were still going strong.
Coach Darren Lehmann and man of the match James Faulkner were among two to get a mention.
"I'll paint a picture for you now. I've got a coach who's spooning the World Cup who can't speak," Haddin said.
"I've got James Faulkner who's got his clothes off but don't tell everyone.
"And I've got the Marsh boys, and you know I can't even talk about the Marsh boys because you know what trouble they have.
"I've got Josh Hazlewood ... he's never been drunk in 30 years. It's a problem. We just can't get him drunk.
"He's an absolute nightmare to drink with."
Haddin's comments come after Australian bowling great Shane Warne caused a stir with his post-match player interviews focusing on the drinking plans of the Aussies.
The Australian team presented the World Cup trophy to fans at Federation Square in Melbourne on Monday morning.
Fairfax Media
