New Delhi: Ellyse Perry equaled Alyssa Healy’s record of playing the most Women’s T20 World Cup finals when she took the field during Australia’s title clash against England at Lord’s on Sunday. Perry’s seventh appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup final equals Healy’s milestone and adds a new chapter to her remarkable international career.There have been concerns over Perry’s availability after she injured her quadriceps in Australia’s semi-final win over the West Indies. However, the experienced all-rounder recovered in time and was included in the starting XI for the Australian final.During the game, Australian captain Sophie Molyneux confirmed Perry had completed training and had no issues.“We haven’t changed anything. So, yes, Pez (Perry) came back really well from yesterday’s training and, yes, happy to be here,” Molineux said.
Australia chooses to serve first
Australia won the toss and were voted first in the Women’s T20 World Cup final.Explaining the decision, Molyneux said the team wanted to take advantage of the conditions as early as possible.“We’re going to have a drink. It’s a good day here and we want to go out and run around and hopefully put some pressure on them early.”She added that the decision had been carefully considered before the toss.“There’s a lot of discussion around it, but at the end of the day, you have to go with your gut. I don’t think the pitch will change too much.”Australia retained the squad that defeated West Indies in the semi-finals as they bid for a record seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title.
England has not changed
England captain Nat Seaver-Brent admitted she would have chosen to bowl first had both sides bowled.“Yes, I was actually going to bowl too. But it’s a fresh wicket. Runs in the final are not a bad thing, so I’m happy to be able to bat.”England’s final line-up also remains unchanged.Seaver-Brent said she benefited greatly from the team’s experience throughout the tournament.“It would be stupid if I didn’t take that experience and try to add my own little twist to it. The entire group experienced different reasons, different conditions, different pressures. Hopefully we can do the same thing again today. “Asked what England need to do to win the trophy, she smiled and said: “I think, one point more than the opposition.”
Australia hopes to maintain ultimate dominance
The match is the fourth Women’s T20 World Cup final between Australia and England.Australia has won all three previous championship meetings between the two teams in 2012, 2014 and 2018. The defending champions come into this match aiming for a record seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title. England, meanwhile, are aiming to win the trophy for the second time since lifting the inaugural trophy at Lord’s in 2009, while also trying to end Australia’s dominance in the global finals.
