Retiring Australia one-day captain Michael Clarke deserved his standing ovation during their World Cup final win over New Zealand, according to ex-England captain Nasser Hussain.

Clarke made 74 in Australia's run chase before he was bowled by Matt Henry with just six more runs required to win the match.

The 33-year-old was given a rapturous send-off by the home crowd, and Hussain has described it as a "special" moment.

He told Sky Sports News: "It was special for the crowd to see Clarke walk off on his own. Yes, it would have been nice for him to have been there to win it at the end, but his wicket also gave him his moment.

"The whole 90-odd thousand crowd appreciated what Australia's captain has done. Not only on the field, but what he has done off the field. He's been an ambassador for Australian cricket.

"He's not always had the Australian public behind him, but he's gone up in a lot of people's estimations. And he showed he's a pretty good player too."

Clarke will continue to lead Australia in Test matches.