Women's Cricket World Cup final: England to face Australia

England's cricketers are aiming to retain their Women's World Cup title as they prepare to face Australia in the final in New Zealand.

Danni Wyatt's magnificent century helped the team beat South Africa by 137 runs - and secure a place in the final in Christchurch, with play due to start from 2am on Sunday UK time.

England lifted the trophy at Lord's Cricket Ground in 2017.

And after a poor start to their title defence, losing the first three matches and coming close to elimination, they claimed five victories in a row.

The final will take place at Hagley Oval and will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event (401), the Sky Sports Cricket World Cup channel (404), Sky Showcase (106), PICK (159) and the Sky Sports YouTube channel.

A rollercoaster journey to the final

Heather Knight's side lost their first three matches in a bad start to the World Cup but reached the knockout stage.

The side is not the same as the one that lifted the trophy in 2017, with experienced and influential players like Laura Marsh, Sarah Taylor, Jenny Gunn and Dani Hazell all missing.

England were not embarrassed in any of the losses, though, with narrow defeats by Australia, West Indies and South Africa.

However, in the group match against Australia, England conceded 310 runs - the highest total ever made against them in a one-day international (ODI).

Against West Indies, England's bowlers bowled 23 wides and they missed six chances in the field, while in England's third match South Africa profited from three drops and a missed stumping.

However, England turned it around with victories over India, New Zealand and Pakistan, and they cruised to victory against Bangladesh to book their place in the semi-finals.

Against South Africa, opener Danielle Wyatt hit 129 runs to help England post 293 runs and their opponents were bowled out in 38 overs, with Sophie Ecclestone, the world number one bowler, taking six wickets for the loss of just 36 runs.

England's players to watch

England were winless in the multi-format Women's Ashes series that preceded the World Cup, and the Aussies have won eight ODIs against England so far.

England might go into Sunday's match as the underdogs, but the Aussies will know full well that they will have to be at the top of their game to clinch victory.

Here are some of the key players for England:

Sophie Ecclestone

If England harbour any hopes of beating the Aussies, Ecclestone will be a key player in their bowling attack.

The 22-year-old spin bowler has taken over 50 wickets since 2017 and took her first five-wicket haul in the semi-final.

It's not just her wicket-taking that has helped England but she is able to stem the flow of runs in the middle overs, allowing England to take control of matches.

After a slow start to the tournament - she returned figures of 0-70 in the opening match - Ecclestone is the top wicket-taker and three ahead of the World Cup record set by Australia's Lyn Fullstone in 1982.

Nat Sciver

All-rounder Nat Sciver started the tournament with a stunning 109 not out, albeit in a losing effort against Australia.

She has since posted three more scores of 40 or more during the World Cup and has taken four wickets and four catches.

The middle overs will likely be crucial for both sides, and with the bat her runs in the middle order will likely be important for a side whose best opening stand during the tournament is just 31.

Heather Knight

England's captain will hope to become the first player to lead her country to two successive World Cup victories.

The 31-year-old averages 15 fewer runs with the bat than she did in 2017 but her two highest scores - 53 not out and 42 - came in important wins against New Zealand and India.

Tammy Beaumont

England's openers have struggled to form a solid partnership so far this tournament. While Wyatt top-scored with a match-winning 129 against South Africa, Beaumont lasted just 14 balls.

However, she was the leading run-scorer and player of the tournament in 2017 and was named ICC women's T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2021 in January.

The 31-year-old has played almost 200 white ball games for England and her experience in the top order will be important for England.

Australia are favourites

Standing in the way of England are the Australians, who have been in good form since 2018.

They have won 37 out of the 38 ODIs in just over four years, including 26 consecutive victories, a record that is not only the best in women's cricket but also in men's cricket.

The Aussies have scored an average of 45.07 runs per wicket and 5.49 runs per over, while only conceding 20.82 runs per wicket and 4.12 runs per over.

While their bowling and batting have propelled them to the top of the rankings, it is with the bat where they stand out.

They are 48% better in runs per wicket than any other team and 7.9% better on run rate than the next best New Zealand's 5.06.

This has been showcased in the tournament, especially against India and South Africa.

Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Rachel Haynes have all scored over 1,000 runs since 2018.

England will have to keep the Australian batswomen quiet to stand any chance of winning, while 29-year-old spinner Jess Jonassen is the top wicket-taker for the Aussies.