3 minute read
Six key questions that will help answer who wins Sunday's Women's Cricket World Cup final between Australia and England.
KEY WORLD CUP FINAL QUESTIONS
* Who wins the Alyssa Healy v Katherine Brunt face-off?
There is no scalp the veteran English pace bowler would prize more than Healy, fresh from a century against West Indies in the semi-final. Brunt, at 36 and surely her last World Cup, will be all guns blazing to snare it on Sunday.
* Can Australia tame Sophie Ecclestone?
The tall offspinner leads all-comers in New Zealand for wickets and will set a record for the best World Cup performance by a bowler with another bag. However, Australia feel they have her number, belting the 22-year-old during the group stage for her all-time worst ODI figures of 0-77.
* How England finally put together an opening stand?
Australian openers Rachael Haynes and Healy average 64 in their opening knocks, whereas England's opening pair average a tournament-worst 12.5. Whoever bats alongside Tammy Beaumont will need to find some steel.
* How does Ellyse Perry perform?
Australia's allrounder superstar is coming in cold after missing two matches with back spasms, and without one of the key strings to her bow. Barring a late loss of condition, the 31-year-old will be picked as a specialist batter, avoiding a similar final-missing fate from the 2020 T20 World Cup.
* Does Darcie Brown arrive as the game's next superstar?
The teenager has produced two unplayable spells in New Zealand, taking 3-22 against the Kiwis and 3-30 against India with match-turning pace. However, she didn't take a wicket in three other outings, including a listless showing against England with 0-40 off six. Which South Australian shows up?
* Can England find an edge at Hagley Oval?
England have played twice at Christchurch's Hagley Oval in 10 days, beating Pakistan in the group stage and South Africa and South Africa in the semis. Australia haven't played at the garden city's Test venue for 22 years. Heather Knight believes it could provide her side a slight advantage.
