Kerr on bench for Australia, Sinclair starts for Canada

MELBOURNE : Australia captain Sam Kerr has been named on the bench for the crunch Women's World Cup match against Canada in Melbourne on Monday, with forward Mary Fowler included in the starting 11 after recovering from concussion.

Striker Kerr missed the opening win against Ireland and the defeat against Nigeria with a calf injury but has said she will "definitely" feature in the Group B clash against the Canadians as the Matildas chase victory to be assured of reaching the knockout phase.

Cortnee Vine makes way for Fowler in Tony Gustavsson's starting side.

Canada coach Bev Priestman has restored captain Christine Sinclair to her starting 11 after the striker ran off the bench in their last match, a 2-1 win over Ireland.

Forward Evelyne Viens, who started against Ireland, has made way for Canada's 40-year-old veteran Sinclair.

Canada need at least a draw against Australia to be assured of reaching the knockouts.