Cricket World Cup 2019: Mitchell Starc pinpoints Kane Williamson as key wicket against New Zealand

After cruelling New Zealand’s World Cup hopes in 2015, Mitchell Starc is back to inflict more pain and has Kane Williamson firmly in his sights on Saturday night.

• Chris Gayle’s stunning retirement backflip
• Finch takes flight after changing his ways
• Defiant Poms fire back at Aussie sledging

Mitchell Starc is about to attempt something he’s never managed to do before — get Kane Williamson out with a white ball.

Australia has identified New Zealand’s captain as the clear target in Saturday night’s blockbuster at Lord’s, although while the most of the World Cup squad has had success it is Starc who hasn’t.

Williamson’s 414 runs is more than the Kiwis’ next best (Ross Taylor on 203).

Kane Williamson has been in great form in the World Cup.

World Cup squad members Pat Cummins, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Kane Richardson have removed Williamson, although Starc is yet to with the white ball.

Starc, who is once again the World Cup’s leading wicket-taker, and Nathan Lyon have removed Williamson at Test level.

“Kane Williamson is their linchpin in the middle, and they’ve got bowlers who swing the ball,” Starc said.

“Obviously we have cemented out spot in the semis now, now we want to try and finish as high as we can.”

The Aussies celebrate knocking over Brendon McCullum early in the 2015 decider.

Starc unleashed one of the great World Cup balls of all time to knock over former skipper Brendon McCullum in the 2015 final, which set Australia up for its fifth trophy.

The left-armer reprised memories of that ball when he knocked England star Ben Stokes over at Lord’s on Tuesday.

Opener David Warner said conditions could differ to the England clash given tomorrow’s clash would be played on a used wicket and with sun forecast.

Brendan McCullum can’t keep out a Mitchell Starc yorker.

Warner said Williamson’s “character and demeanour” were part of his formidable make up.

“He hits the ball late, he suits the game plan really well, he is their anchor — their main man you have to look to try and get out.”

Asked if the Kiwis played too nice, after they consoled Carlos Brathwaite following Saturday’s epic win, Warner said: “They play their cricket like everyone tries to — in the right spirit.”

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2019: Mitchell Starc pinpoints Kane Williamson as key wicket against New Zealand