Aussies to target Pietersen during World Twenty20 final

Melbourne, May 15 (ANI): Australia has upped the ante against archrivals England ahead of the World Twenty20 final with skipper Michael Clarke saying his bowlers will try to get Kevin Pietersen's wicket early.

Pietersen has led the way for England with 201 runs at an average of 67, including match-winning fifties in the Super Eights against defending champions Pakistan, and his native South Africa.

Pietersen returned for a brief break to London for the birth of his son and showed no signs of jet lag as he made an unbeaten 42 off just 26 balls in England's seven-wicket semi-final win over Sri Lanka.

"Kevin Pietersen coming back into form plays a huge part," The Herald Sun quoted Clarke, as saying after Australia beat Pakistan by three wickets.

"He (Pietersen) is a wonderful player in all three forms of the game. He'll be a big part of the final. If we can get him out early it will hold us in good stead," he added.

Pietersen was seen asking his teammates not to be lax during the match.

"There is a fine line between demanding high standards...and then stepping over that line into a petulant world, and a world that damages the team in any way," England coach Andy Flower said. (ANI)