World Cup final 2022: Australia v England news, result and scores

The Australians are leaving nothing to chance in their World Cup final against England and may even turn to one of their star all-rounders returning from injury in a surprise specialist role.

Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry is on track to return to the Australian women’s line-up just in time for their World Cup grand final clash with England on Sunday albeit as a specialist batter.

Perry has been missing from the unbeaten side after leaving the field with back spasms during Australia’s win against South Africa on March 22.

Captain Meg Lanning said on Saturday, Perry was a “pretty good” chance after impressing during a tough training session.

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Australia's Ellyse Perry (left) could still join her and captain Meg Lanning in the World Cup final if recalled as a specialist batsman.

“She got through a pretty hard and high-intensity session yesterday, and she’s trained again today and is feeling pretty good,” Lanning said.

“It’ll just depend on how she pulls up this afternoon, that would be the final hurdle she needs to get over.

“But at this stage, it’s looking pretty good … we’ll just assess later on this afternoon and then pick the team accordingly.”

Ellyse Perry in the nets during a training session at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Picture: Getty Images

Perry has only been put through her paces in the nets and on the field — she is yet to test how her back would hold up bowling.

“Ellyse is a world class player, she has shown that over a long period of time,” Lanning said.

“She can definitely play as a specialist bat and that’s probably the most likely scenario to be honest.

“She hasn’t bowled for a couple of weeks now and it would be difficult for her to come out and bowl in the final.

“She averages over 50 with the bat and she’s certainly an important part of the batting line-up.”

Perry’s skills with the bat could be a huge asset for the Australians in the final. Picture: Getty Images

Perry has put on 146 runs across her five innings so far this World Cup.

Australia has a great track record against England, winning the last seven ODI in a row.

The most recent in their first game of the World Cup, which Australia won by 12 runs.

Lanning said the past was irrelevant though.

“It is all about going out there and playing your best and executing skills under pressure,” the captain said.

If Perry is selected in the final team, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland would likely be the unlucky omission.

“It is a great opportunity for us to go out on a big stage and play some really good cricket. We have been building throughout the tournament and it all comes down to what happens tomorrow.”

With Perry likely to be named in the 11, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland would likely be the unlucky omission from the side.

That scenario would leave Australia with six bowlers, including rising star Darcie Brown alongside Megan Schutt, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardener, Jess Jonassen and Alana King.

Australia will play England in the ODI Women’s World Cup final at Hagley Oval from noon on April 3.

Originally published as World Cup final 2022: Australia v England news, result and scores