Andrew Alderson: Final first time all top three struggle

Australia's batsman David Warner looks towards the sky after Black Cap Ross Taylor dropped his potential catch. Photo / Getty Images

The World Cup final was the first time at least one of New Zealand's top three batsmen had failed to get past 38 at the tournament.

In front of a bulging Melbourne Cricket Ground the Mitchells, Johnson and Starc, and later James Faulkner put the New Zealanders under intense pressure.

At 39 for three in the 13th over, after Brendon McCullum (0), Martin Guptill (15) and Kane Williamson (12) had succumbed, New Zealand's position looked precarious.

Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott righted some of the early damage, which was testament to the team's belief that they can resurrect a total from the worst of circumstances. However, 183 was a letdown on what appeared a decent batting wicket and the power they generated in the knockout matches to reach 393 for six setting against the West Indies and 299 for six chasing against South Africa.

No one could question the veracity of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's decision at the toss. His Australian counterpart Michael Clarke said he would have done the same in what appeared perfect batting conditions.

The white line fever of Starc and Johnson provided the point of difference with their relentless accuracy and aggression. Extra pace, generally in the high 140km/h range, also meant the New Zealanders struggled to adjust shots in time. A hint came early with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin standing in close proximity to the 30m circle.

Starc finished with two for 20 from eight overs; Johnson took three for 30 from nine. Able support also came from Faulkner's three for 36 from nine. His spells were highlighted by the dexterity of his variations, particularly his slower ball.

Starc finished the tournament with 22 wickets at 10.18 with the best economy rate (3.50) outside Michael Clarke's 2.8 from five overs. He backed up the menace demonstrated in his six for 28 at Eden Park. A hostile opening spell of four overs saw him grab one for eight.

The wicket of McCullum with the fifth ball of the game set a tone which resonated, until Taylor and Elliott steadied the innings with a 111-run fourth-wicket partnership off 137 balls.

Johnson took over in the ninth over and left no opportunity to release the pressure which, for the New Zealanders, was as much as they have endured at the tournament.

Johnson plodded into his run-up, face furrowed with concentration and moustache bristling. He produced plenty of deliveries in the hallway of hesitation followed by his accustomed look of indignity following-through. His first victim was Kane Williamson who prodded defensively into Johnson's hands.

After second spells of two overs which conceded 16 runs between them, Starc and Johnson were just as convincing in their third return to the bowling crease against the middle and lower order.

Starc conceded just four from his final two overs and snared Luke Ronchi at slip; Johnson had two for 11 in his three overs as Daniel Vettori and Matt Henry departed.