Oldest rivals, Australia and England are set to face off in the final match of the Women’s ODI World Cup for the fifth time on Sunday.
Incredibly, for the two most successful teams in the history of the Cup, Sunday’s final at Hagley Oval will be the first time since 1988 that they have met in the decider. Each with the chance to write themselves into the tournament’s rich history, Australia are chasing their seventh title, while reigning champions England are searching for their fifth.
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Though Australia have held sway over England in recent times – consider the Ashes and even the first match of the group stage – Heather Knight’s team will be full of confidence after a white-hot run in the tail-end of the tournament.
Unbeaten in their last five matches, England has managed a remarkable turnaround after beginning the group stage with three consecutive defeats. Their early losses narrow, England’s victories have been comprehensive, ensuring that they finished the group stage with the second-best net run-rate. To that end, their hot-streak has seen them become just the third team (male or female) in the history of World Cups to make the final after losing three consecutive matches throughout the tournament.
The kind of form-line that surely instils belief in the playing group, batter Danni Wyatt admitted she had reservations that the team could fight back in the manner they have.
“Every game since that India game has been a knockout match,” she said. “After those first three games, I didn’t think this would be the case (reaching the final), but we obviously really want to win the trophy.”
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Their winning run inspired in large part by Sophie Ecclestone, the twenty-two-year-old spinner leads all comers at the World Cup with 20 wickets. An impressive tally, she claimed a stunning 6/36 in the semi-final – the world’s no. 1 ranked ODI bowler impressing everyone, including her teammates.
“She’s bowling exceptionally well at the minute and she’s not fun to face in the nets that’s for sure,” Wyatt said after the match against South Africa. “She was absolutely unplayable out there with that pace and dip and a bit of turn as well.”
Along with Ecclestone, Wyatt herself has found form at the right time. The right-hander has enjoyed a promotion to the top of the order, and made it count in the semi-final. Her innings of 129 helping her team to an unassailable 8/293, England will be hoping one of the top order can get in and go big again when they face Australia.
It is with the bat where the undefeated Australians have been particularly dominant throughout the World Cup. Boasting three of the tournament’s top four run-scorers, each of Haynes (429), Lanning (384) and Healy (339) have enjoyed success at different stages. To emphasise the completeness of the Australian batting line-up, Beth Mooney – who has batted in the middle order – has the stunning batting average of 134. Playing the ‘finisher’ role to perfection, the left-hander has been dismissed only twice thus far, her composure an invaluable commodity in tournament cricket.
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More broadly, the final presents a chance for redemption for this Australian side, who were knocked out in the semi-final by India in 2017. Almost five years ago now, opening bowler Megan Schutt believes the team has enjoyed a rejuvenation since that day in Derby.
“We were a very different team…it’s almost a 180 flip,” Schutt said. “And what that defeat brought was a form of professionalism and accountability that we didn’t have back then.”
Indeed, the proof is plain to see. Since that time, Lanning’s Australia has gone on to become a record-breaking side in the ODI format, and a World Cup trophy would be the hard-earned cherry on top.
There remains one more question mark for Australia, however. One that will be answered at the selection table, it surrounds star all-rounder, Ellyse Perry. Having missed Australia’s last two matches with back spasms, it would be a stinging blow for Australia if she is not available. Absent from the World T20 win through injury as well, Perry will be riding a wave of support from her teammates.
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“That was my first thought when we heard she was having back spasms, that surely she’s not missing another World Cup final,” Schutt said. “It’s a tough break for someone who’s had such a long and successful career. It’d be crazy if she can’t take the field.”
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The continuation of a proud World Cup tradition between England and Australia, Sunday’s final looms as an intriguing contest.
Everything on the line, play is scheduled to begin at 11am local time.
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