Last Updated on 1 hour ago by Charbel Coorey
Ellyse Perry is in some doubt for Sunday’s T20 World Cup Final against England. The superstar all-rounder felt some “awareness” in her quadricep during the semi-final against West Indies, where she retired hurt.
Perry faced just seven deliveries, but it is understood she came off for precautionary reasons given the team was in a very strong position. The focus since has been giving her every chance to be fully fit and available for the title-decider at Lord’s on Sunday.
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According to coach Shelley Nitschke, Australia are hopeful Perry will play pending a clearer picture of how she fares in the leadup to the match.
“Hopefully she’s come through okay and is available on Sunday,” Nitschke said to reporters on Thursday, as quoted by cricket.com.au.
“We don’t really have a clear picture of what that looks like. We’re confident, but just not completely 100 per cent sure of how that’s gone at the moment.”
Nitschke also didn’t rule out Perry playing without being 100% fit. The all-rounder has been in outstanding form in this World Cup, hitting 185 runs at an average 46.25 and strike rate of 135.03. Her two fifties – against Pakistan and India – were a masterclass in batting.
“I think there’s still certain things that she’ll want to be able to do as well, to be able to still contribute to the team and hold her own, whether that’s in the field or running between the wickets,” Nitschke said.
“But there is that element of ‘this is a World Cup final’, so what’s our tolerance there. So certainly (there’s) a slightly different lens than perhaps some other times.”
If Perry is ruled out, however, the Australia coach remains confident of a strong performance given the form of the team. The Aussies are seeking to win back the T20 World Cup and have looked in superb touch.
“We’ve had different people stick their hand up with the bat and make a contribution – Ellyse and Ash (Gardner) have been excellent, and good to see Beth Mooney back in the runs, and she had an excellent knock against the Netherlands as well,” Nitschke said.
“Georgia Wareham at different times with the bat, and some cameos (from other batters).
“I think it’s been that the spread of people that have performed, and with the ball, I think it’s been similar – we’ve had different people at different times stick their hands up, so I think that’s probably been the most pleasing thing for us, and just the way we’ve gone about it.”
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