In February 2023, following Australia's fourth straight world title at Newlands, Beth Mooney was asked what counsel she would offer a side aiming to dethrone her team. After pausing briefly she replied: "Just skip it. It's impossible. Don't even bother showing." That remark neatly captures the scale of the challenge England face on Sunday against Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's.

Other sides have still appeared and succeeded: South Africa defeated Australia in a 2024 semi-final, and India repeated the feat in last year's 50-over World Cup. Yet Australia, despite holding no current silverware, remain relaxed. On Thursday the squad watched Wimbledon, with Phoebe Litchfield leading an "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" chant. They know they are strong favorites to disrupt England's occasion after an unbeaten group stage and a dominant semi-final win over West Indies.

The relaxed mood owes much to new captain Sophie Molineux and her playful approach, highlighted during the tournament when the side arrived weary after a five-hour bus journey from Leeds to Southampton. Instead of a standard warm-up, Molineux appeared in a bright pink leotard and yellow bands, performing high kicks to Olivia Newton-John's Physical. "Everyone ended up with sore stomachs from laughing," Georgia Voll later recalled.

Molineux, the left-arm spinner, leads Australia's wicket-takers with 10 scalps, but success has been collective. In a country rich with talent, no player can afford to coast. England possess the power of Danni Wyatt-Hodge and the composure of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight, yet their wicketkeeper often gifts catches to close fielders. Comparing Amy Jones to Mooney, who bats with precision despite a twice-dislocated finger, is perhaps unfair.

England's main hopes rest on familiarity with the venue and conditions. Lord's carries its own atmosphere, and Australia have never reached a World Cup final there. In contrast, England's top three batters - Sciver-Brunt, Wyatt-Hodge and Knight - triumphed in a World Cup at the ground nine years ago. Knight, now general manager of London Spirit, also lifted the Hundred title at Lord's in 2024.

"I enjoy finals at this ground," Knight noted. "Lord's always feels special. The dimensions, the slope and the pitch are distinctive, and many of us have played plenty of cricket here. That experience could offer a real edge."

Another factor is the home setting. After their semi-final victory at the Oval, England players rushed to celebrate with supporters. "A home World Cup allows us to share these occasions," Knight said. "The players are relishing it, and the emotional parents have been part of the journey too. Sharing a Lord's final with them will be memorable."

Does Australia's 16-0 Ashes victory 18 months ago give them a mental advantage? Ellyse Perry believes home conditions matter more: "They are not facing Australian spiders and snakes this time."

England also present a changed unit, even with the same players. After the Ashes defeat, Kate Cross feared the public had turned away. A full house at Lord's cheering for England already signals progress, achieved simply by playing attractive cricket.

Much credit belongs to head coach Charlotte Edwards. In 18 months she has replaced stagnation with energy, turning a side that dropped eight catches in a Test at the MCG into one that takes spectacular chances. "She drives our energy and pushes us to improve," Sciver-Brunt said after the semi-final win over South Africa.

Edwards's hunger to win again at Lord's, where she lifted the trophy as captain in 2009, showed during the Oval semi-final when she danced out at the first drinks break to celebrate a key wicket. "She behaves as if she is still playing, hugging everyone," Sciver-Brunt added. "She lives every delivery and feels immense pride."

England have never lost a World Cup on home soil. Whether they extend that record on Sunday remains uncertain, yet performing for the coach who revived their prospects provides strong motivation.