Windies bowling first in wet Wellington for semi-final

Australia have been sent into bat first in their World Cup semi-final against West Indies, with Annabel Sutherland confirmed as the replacement for injured allrounder Ellyse Perry.

The match has been reduced to 45 overs per side, with bowlers able to bowl a maximim of nine overs each and the opening Powerplay reduced to nine overs, after Wellington's Basin Reserve was shrouded in mist throughout Wednesday morning, delaying the start of play by almost two hours.

Australia are unchanged from their five-wicket win over Bangladesh on Friday, with Sutherland retaining her spot, having filled Perry's spot in that last round game.

West Indies meanwhile have made one change to their XI from Thursday's washout against South Africa; with Anisa Mohammed replacing fellow spinner Afy Fletcher, who tested positive to COVID-19 on Tuesday.

Australia hope the inclusion of fast bowler Darcie Brown, who sat out the round game against West Indies at the same venue earlier this month, will help nullify the impact of star Windies top-order batters Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor.

Fellow pace bowler Perry was the key destroyer in that game, taking 3-22 including the wickets of Dottin and Matthews, as Australia won by seven wickets.

"We understand how West Indies play and what they're capable of … we're preparing for their best, and their best is very dangerous," Australia captain Meg Lanning said.

"They've got a number of world-class players who can take the game away from you very quickly.

"So that's the way we're looking at it, we're expecting them to come out there and play well.

"Not only have they got some incredible batters, but their bowling line up is dangerous as well. Connell has been bowling extremely well, Hayley Matthews with the new bowl that she can certainly play a role."

West Indies have only beaten Australia once previously in an ODI but will be buoyed by memories of their upset 2016 T20 World Cup victory over Lanning's team.

"Going into tomorrow's game (we know) that anything is possible," Taylor said on Tuesday.

"We just have to believe."

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

West Indies XI: Deandra Dottin, Rashada Williams, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor (c), Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Chedean Nation, Anisa Mohammed, Kycia Knight, Chinelle Henry, Karishma Ramharack, Shamilia Connell

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

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Semi-finals

Mar 30: Australia v West Indies, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 9am AEDT

Mar 31: South Africa v England, Hagley Park, Christchurch, 12pm AEDT

Final

Apr 3: Hagley Park Christchurch, 11am AEST

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

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