Familiar power-hitting when needed, the useful lower-order runs when many frontline batters fail to deliver, key wickets during intense moments with the game being taken out of Australia’s opponents’ hands, and that ever-agile fielding that makes the team a mighty force- Ellyse Perry has done all of that. And she’s done it time and again. Sadly, there won’t be any of that especially at a stage in the ongoing World Cup when Australia would most need it.
Australia got a big blow before the important semi-final clash as it’s been confirmed star all-rounder Ellyse Perry is ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup after sustaining a hamstring injury against New Zealand yesterday.
The nail-biting win over New Zealand at Junction Oval witnessed Australia through to the semifinals but that also saw Perry forced out from the field in the 11th over of New Zealand’s chase of 156.
Australian Team Doctor Pip Inge told: “Ellyse sustained a high-grade right hamstring injury that is expected to keep her out of the game for a significant period of time. We are currently exploring management options and will continue to support Ellyse through her recovery.”
However, Head-coach Matthew Mott praised Ellyse Perry for her show throughout the World Cup but he remained hopeful that other players will step up in her absence.
“Ellyse is a key member of our squad and has been for a long period of time and on a personal level we’re disappointed that she won’t have the opportunity to finish the tournament,” Mott said.
“She gives her absolute all every time she takes to the field for her country and that was evident again against New Zealand in the selfless manner in which she threw herself into her batting, bowling and fielding performances,” he added.
“We’re confident that we have enough depth in the squad to cover her batting and bowling and know whoever gets an opportunity will make a strong contribution,” he shared.
The incident took place when Perry was fielding a straight drive from New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine. She fell on the ground immediately after the throw clutching her right hamstring and had to be out from the field.
She was sent for scans soon after the game, who had to pass the last-minute fitness test to be in Australia’s XI on Monday after suffering a hip injury against Bangladesh in Canberra.
She has been suffering an AC joint injury on her right shoulder since the WBBL last November, which ruled her out of the last five matches of the season as well.
“She’s been a massive part of our squad and our team for a long time and you can’t replace her, but we’ve got 15 players here who can do a job and you need a squad to win a World Cup,” Australia captain Meg Lanning shared.
“We’re going to have to use our depth … that’s just the reality of it. I’ve got full confidence that any player who comes in can play a role and we’re just going to have to get through it and maybe play slightly differently, but we’ll have to adapt,” she added.
With the injury of Ellyse Perry, off-spinner Molly Strano and pace bowler Delissa Kimmince are the most likely replacements in the XI.
