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Perry returns as Aussies bat first in final

Star allrounder Ellyse Perry returns to the Aussie line-up at the expense of Annabel Sutherland, with Australia sent into bat by England in Christchurch

Ellyse Perry has returned to Australia's XI to take on England in the World Cup final, with Meg Lanning's team sent in to bat first after losing the toss at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.

Allrounder Annabel Sutherland was the unlucky omission from the side that thrashed West Indies by 157 runs in the semi-final, with Perry to play her first match since suffering back spasms while fielding against South Africa on March 22.

England have named an unchanged XI from their semi-final win over the Proteas, but their side is different to the one that lost to Australia by 12 runs in the tournament opener; Danni Wyatt has replaced Lauren Winfield-Hill at the top of the order, while England have added an extra bowling option in off-spinner Charlie Dean.

Lanning, who becomes the seventh Australian woman to play 100 ODIs today, mooted Perry's likely return on match eve, but said if the veteran allrounder did make a return, it would likely be as a specialist batter.

However Perry has kept England guessing, marking her run-up alongside pace bowlers Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown and Tahlia McGrath during Australia's warm-up.

Australia go into the final as favourites after winning all seven round robin matches, and have lost just two of 41 one-day internationals since the last World Cup in 2017.

England had to scrap their way back into the tournament after losing their first three games, but have found form and confidence at the right time after five consecutive wins.

Heather Knight's team has not beaten Australia in an ODI since 2017, but the England captain was confident on match eve.

"The stage is set for us to write a remarkable story," Knight said.

"It is a fresh slate. A fresh day. A fresh game. Us and Australia will go in as equals.

"It'll mean more after the start we've had in this competition ... being able to turn it around would be remarkable really. It would make it even more special."

This is the first time Australia and England have met in a 50-over World Cup final since 1988, with Australia out to reclaim the trophy they last one in 2013 from the defending champions.

"There's certainly some nerves around, I think you'd be crazy if you weren't nervous heading into a World Cup final, so it's a good thing," Lanning said on Saturday.

"But there's a lot of excitement, it's a great opportunity for our team to go out on a big stage and play really good cricket.

"We feel like we've been building throughout the tournament and we've got a really good game plan and also the skill sets within the team to be able to deliver, but it comes down to what happens tomorrow.

"We know that it's going to be tough, England always provide a great contest … it's going to be a massive challenge for us, and certainly not going to be easy, but we feel confident that if we can put out as close to our best as possible, then that will give us a good chance."

Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown

England XI: Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt, Heather Knight (c), Natalie Sciver, Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Kate Cross, Anya Shrubsole

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne

Australia's World Cup 2022 fixtures

Mar 5: Beat England by 12 runs

Mar 8: Beat Pakistan by seven wickets

Mar 13: Beat New Zealand by 141 runs

Mar 15: Beat West Indies by seven wickets

Mar 19: Beat India by six wickets

Mar 22: Beat South Africa by five wickets

Mar 25: Beat Bangladesh by five wickets

Semi-finals

Mar 30: Australia beat West Indies by 157 runs

Mar 31: England beat South Africa by 137 runs

Final

Apr 3: Australia v England, Hagley Park Christchurch, 11am AEST

All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports