England wins toss, bowls in World Cup final

England won the toss and chose to bowl against Australia Sunday in the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup at Hagley Oval.

Australia is attempting to win the World Cup for the seventh time, England for the fifth time and the second in succession after winning the last tournament at home in 2017.

The top-ranked Australians are unbeaten after eight matches at the tournament and after beating the West Indies by 157 runs in their semifinal. England lost its first three matches but has won its last five under virtual knockout circumstances, capped by its 137-run semifinal win over South Africa.

“We have an opportunity to make history, being the first England team to (win back-to-back titles) and that’s such an exciting thing,” England captain Heather Knight said.

“The stage is set for us to write a remarkable story but it is a fresh slate and us and Australia will go in as equals.”