Star batsman Kevin Pietersen hailed his England teammates after their final victory over Australia in Barbados.

Pietersen was named man of the tournament after scoring 248 runs, including 47 in England’s seven-wicket victory over their old enemies in the final.

Craig Kieswetter and Pietersen’s century stand helped them cruise past Australia’s 147-6 – with three full overs to spare.

Kieswetter (63) hit six fours and a six in his 40-ball 50 and Pietersen was almost as dominant in a run chase, which became no-contest long before captain Paul Collingwood clubbed the winning runs.

Australia, hitherto unbeaten in this tournament, stumbled disastrously to 8-3 in the third over after being put in on a pacy pitch.

David Hussey (59) oversaw a well-crafted recovery to 147-6, but the resulting total never looked enough.

“It’s been a pretty interesting week for me,” said Pietersen, who flew back to London last weekend and became a father for the first time on Monday before returning to the Caribbean.

“I had a little kid on Monday and this trophy here.

“But this trophy goes to all the lads. They support each other and share each other’s success.

“The more you play, the more you win and the more it becomes a habit, like the great Australians.

“This team is hungry for success, we want to win.”

Kieswetter, who was named man of the match for his 63 off 49 deliveries, said: “It’s been a great experience, to play against the Australians in the final makes it all much better.”

Kieswetter and Pietersen dovetailed effectively in the final, putting on 111 for the second wicket.

And Kieswetter paid tribute to his more experienced team-mate.

He said: “It makes it a lot easier for me. It takes the pressure off and allows me to play quite freely.”

Collingwood said the victory rivalled the 2005 and 2009 Ashes Test series successes over Australia.

Collingwood said: “It’s right up there, it’s got to be.

“This is our first World Cup we’ve ever won and the boys deserve it.

“We've put a lot of hard work and effort in and the boys are absolutely thrilled we came out today and put that performance in.”