James Faulkner with teammates during World Cup final.
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Melbourne: A devastating spell by fast-bowling all-rounder James Faulkner allowed Australia to put one hand on a fifth World Cup trophy as New Zealand were skittled for 183 after batting first at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. (World Cup Final Blog | Scorecard)
With the fourth-wicket partnership of Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott having rebuilt New Zealand's innings with a 111-run stand, the 24-year-old struck twice in the first over of the second power-play in the 36th over.
Faulkner finessed a slower, wider ball from the back of the hand, coaxing Taylor into a drive which he nicked behind to evergreen wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who pouched a brilliant, one-handed catch diving low and to his right. (Fans Paint MCG Yellow and Black)
The wicket was confirmed after a lengthy review, but upon the resumption of play, Faulkner dismissed Corey Anderson for a second-ball duck with a faster full-length delivery. (Grant Elliott Stands Tall Amidst Ruins)
From a position of some assurance, New Zealand were suddenly reeling at 150-4, but left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc made things worse by having Luke Ronchi caught behind for a duck in the following over.
Faulkner would cap his game-changing spell by removing Elliott for 83, with another well-disguised slower delivery that teased the bat on the way through to Haddin. (World Cup 2015 Most Followed Cricket Event: ICC)
That robbed New Zealand of their last recognised batsman and the tail duly crumbled as shadows crept across the ground. (N. Srinivasan Defends 10-Team World Cup in 2019)
Faulkner finished with 3-36 from his nine overs, with Australia's left-arm 'Mitchells' Johnson (3-30) and Starc (2-20) also enjoying a fine afternoon.
Faulkner missed the start of the World Cup with a side strain and Australia sweated on the talented all-rounder's fitness through opening matches against England and New Zealand.
Faulkner was absent for the nerve-jangling pool phase loss against the Kiwis in Auckland, but has come back to haunt the team on cricket's biggest stage.
"Pretty good stuff from the boys," Faulkner said in a pitchside interview.
"Pretty good MCG wicket. A little bit slow to start off with. We have worked really hard on our fielding. Outfield is a little quicker than normal.
"There's no reason we can't chase the runs.
"We've been working really hard on our fielding and it was another good performance."
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