As Eoin Morgan hoisted the World Cup amid bursts of fireworks and falling ticker tape the full weight of the achievement became clear. Lord's stayed packed with fans and the celebrations showed no sign of slowing. On the podium I felt a surge of pride mixed with relief and could not stop laughing because of my old friend Mark Wood.

Wood stood beside Jason Roy in the line-up with me just behind them. For some reason he grabbed a handful of Roy's shirt at the key moment and pulled it upward while we leapt about like madmen. At the height of his career after helping turn our campaign around Roy found himself fighting to keep his shirt in place. It was an unforgettable scene.

Hardly anyone seemed fully in control of their actions. Everything blurred from the instant Jos Buttler knocked over the stumps and we sprinted across the field. We made a quick stop in the dressing room before the trophy presentation where a bottle of beer vanished in moments. Returning through the pavilion felt chaotic as one of cricket's most elegant venues turned into a lively crowd. I spotted several adults overcome with emotion at seeing England claim their first world title. The players were not the only ones drained by the day's tension.

Lord's remained bathed in sunshine while the stage was readied. We mixed with the New Zealand side on the field and watched the remaining medals and awards being presented. Their sportsmanship stood out as they offered genuine congratulations despite their own disappointment and helped keep the mood positive throughout. Kane Williamson and his players showed real class by sharing in the historic occasion without dampening our joy.

The World Cup trophy is striking and I had pictured holding it for four years. Everyone eventually took a turn during the lap of honour after Morgan lifted it high. Selfies champagne sprays and spontaneous group hugs created moments that felt perfect and lasting. One highlight came when I spotted three close friends in the Nursery End stand waved them over the boundary and arranged photos with family members who had also joined us. The victory belonged to all of them as much as to the team.

Trevor Bayliss wanted no part of the trophy which matched his usual approach. He believed only the players deserved credit for wins and tried to stay out of the spotlight. The squad disagreed and Wood pressed the trophy into his hands during the lap of honour. Bayliss held it briefly for a photo then set it down and kept walking.

The adapted song written on Jos Buttler's bat became the anthem for that unforgettable evening as the Lord's dressing room filled with energy. Players pieced together the day's dramatic turns including the boundary decisions and the super-over pressure. The lyrics also honoured our massage therapist Mark Saxby for his role in team spirit and praised Morgan as the steady leader who guided the four-year rebuild. After a group photo Morgan thanked everyone for staying committed to the plan and urged the group to enjoy the moment.

The official World Cup beer did not impress on taste but nobody cared and plenty was consumed. Champagne corks popped at random and a few cigars made the rounds. Some players stepped onto the balcony to watch the sunset and reflect quietly. Around 1am we returned to the Landmark hotel where family members waited at the bar. Stepping off the coach felt like a rock-star arrival with cameras flashing everywhere.

The night stretched on with several players staying up until dawn. I stopped around 6am completely exhausted. After a short rest we boarded the coach again the next morning heading to the Oval for a Chance to Shine event arranged by the ECB. Heads ached yet smiles remained except for James Vince who looked particularly unwell. The session involved coaching and signing autographs for schoolchildren while an icebox of beers waited courtesy of the dressing-room attendant.

These events matter and I remembered attending similar ones as a youngster. Still the morning felt like a missed chance. The 2005 side received an open-top bus parade and a World Cup win deserved similar recognition given the record television audience. The ECB appeared overly cautious with the Ashes looming and the decision to limit celebrations seemed overly restrictive. It remains a point of frustration.

Our final stop that day took us to No 10 Downing Street. Liam Plunkett boarded the coach carrying a bottle of red wine and it was clear the evening might turn lively. He had already gone without sleep yet stayed cheerful and finished most of the bottle during the journey across London. After clearing security Plunkett tried to kiss Trevor Bayliss which led to an awkward and comical scene in the corridors of power. Our team manager grew visibly uneasy but the Downing Street staff stayed welcoming and served more drinks in the garden. Plunkett even held a conversation with the prime minister.

Back at the hotel later that evening tension rose when the midnight curfew remained in force. Ashley Giles refused to lift it which left the group disappointed. Several players voiced their frustration recalling how the 2005 celebrations had become legendary. We stayed at the hotel bar feeling the restriction was unnecessary after such a major achievement. The caution seemed excessive when the team had just won a World Cup.