NEW DELHI: Ellyse Perry equaled Alyssa Healy’s record for most Women’s T20 World Cup final appearances after taking the field in Australia’s title clash against England at Lord’s on Sunday. Perry made her seventh appearance in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, matching Healy’s milestone and adding a chapter to her remarkable international career.There were concerns about Perry’s availability after he suffered a quadriceps injury during Australia’s semi-final win over the West Indies. However, the experienced all-rounder recovered in time and was included in Australia’s unchanged playing XI for the final.In the toss, Australian captain Sophie Molineux confirmed that Perry had gone through training without any problems.“We don’t have any changes. So yes, Pez (Perry) took a long break from his training yesterday, and yes, very excited to be out here,” said Molineux.
Australia chose to bowl first
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first in the Women’s T20 World Cup final.Explaining the decision, Molineux said the team wanted to use the conditions early.“We’ve got a bowl. It’s a nice day out here, and we want to go out there, run around and hopefully put some pressure on them early.”He added that a lot of thought went into the decision before the throw.“There are a lot of discussions about it, but at the end of the day, you have to go with your gut. I don’t think the pitch will change that much.”Australia retained the same XI that beat West Indies in the semi-final as they chase a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title.
England hasn’t changed either
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted that he would also opt to bowl first if the toss was not up.“Yes, I will actually bowl too. But this is a new wicket. Running the board in the final is not bad, so I am happy to be batting.”England also named an unchanged side for the final.Sciver-Brunt said she benefited from the experience within the squad throughout the tournament.“I should have not relied on that experience and then tried to have my own little spin on it. The whole group experienced different bases, different conditions and different pressures. Hopefully we can do it again today.”Asked what England needed to do to win the trophy, he smiled and said. “One more run than the opposition, I think.”
Australia looks to continue its recent dominance
The match marked the fourth Women’s T20 World Cup final between Australia and England.Australia has won all three previous title clashes between the two sides in 2012, 2014 and 2018. The defending champions enter the competition chasing a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup crown. England, meanwhile, are looking to win the trophy for the second time after lifting the inaugural edition at Lord’s in 2009, while also trying to end Australia’s dominance in the global finals.