NZ opt to bat against England in WC final

London, July 14 (IANS) New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson on Sunday won the toss and elected to bat against England in the World Cup 2019 final being played at Lord's.

New Zealand have gone with the same team which played against India in the semifinals on July 9. England have also made no changes to their eleven which featured against Australia.

"We're having a bat. It's a tough decision. A bat-first surface, but the overhead conditions do make it confusing. We have a job first up with the bat. We're playing the same team. The semifinal was a tough scrap for both sides, but we're happy we got across the line in that game," said Williamson after winning the toss.

"Always backing Guptill with the bat. He'll go and play with the freedom. Our team has played with a lot of heart and fight and has gotten us across the line so many times," he added.

"It was a 50-50 call (about the toss). The overheads will lean towards the ball. Whichever side plays better will lift the trophy. Jonny is fully fit, and we're playing the same XI," said England captain Eoin Morgan.

"The strongest part in Edgbaston was our bowling. If we can put our ball in the areas early on today, we are in with a great chance. I'm extremely proud. Everyone has put in the hardwork over the last four years. We have embraced pressure throughout the tournament, and the semi-final epitomized that," he added.

Playing XIs: New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, James Neesham, Tom Latham(w), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood