Women's World Cup final made available on free-to-air TV by Sky Sports

Pick will show Australia v England from Christchurch in the early hours of Sunday morning (April 3) while the Sky Sports YouTube channel will also stream the showcase

England's attempts to retain their Women's World Cup crown against tournament favourites Australia will be available to watch on free-to-air TV.

Sky Sports will simulcast their coverage of the match from Christchurch on Freeview channel Pick and stream the match on their own YouTube channel.

In addition, Sky Showcase will also show the game, alongside the broadcasters' own dedicated Women's Cricket World Cup channel, which is available as part of a subscription package.

Heather Knight's side are looking to become the first England team to win back-to-back World Cups while the all-conquering Aussies, led by Meg Lanning, are seeking a record-breaking seventh title.

Sky

Pick HD: Channel 159

Pick SD: Channel 895

Virgin Media

Pick HD: Channel 165

Freeview

Pick SD: Channel 11

Freesat

Pick HD: Channel 147

"This is an exciting moment for the country where fans will hopefully get to see England lift the Cricket World Cup once again," said managing director of Sky Sports Jonathan Licht.

"We are pleased to be able to make another moment of national significant free for the whole nation to watch."

The decision mirrors the offering for the Men's World Cup final in 2019 when Channel 4 and More 4 broadcast England's dramatic win over New Zealand.

Re-adjusted figures eventually confirmed 8.7 million people tuned in across the country.

The start time for the match at the Hagley Oval will test the dedication of fans, however, with play due to start from 2am BST (2pm local time).

^{England men's World Cup win was watched nationwide by millions (Clive Mason/Getty Images)}

Test Match Special will also provide ball-by-ball commentary of the action on BBC Radio Five Live, with clips then available via the BBC Sport website.

The move continues cricket's recent free-to-air renaissance.

The current ECB broadcast deal, which runs to 2024, includes a commitment for the BBC to show at least one women's international every year.

And last summer saw the Beeb show eight matches from the inaugural season of the women's Hundred.

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