Australia Faces Injury Worry as Ellyse Perry Exits First ODI
Australia’s star all-rounder, Ellyse Perry, raised alarm bells after leaving the field due to injury during the first ODI against India Women at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
Perry, who was performing well, scored 30 runs off 38 balls and hit three fours and a six, maintaining a strong strike rate of 78.94. She formed a crucial partnership of 79 runs with Phoebe Litchfield, helping Australia chase down India’s total of 282 runs.
Tragically, in the 20th over, Perry was seen struggling with cramps and had to retire from the match. Although she left with a smile, concerns grew about her fitness ahead of the Women’s World Cup, as any significant injury to her could be a huge blow for the Australian team.
Beth Mooney took Perry’s place, but her absence was felt, given her role in the middle order. Perry came to bat after India’s Kranti Goud took the vital wicket of Alyssa Healy, putting Australia under a bit of pressure in their run chase. How soon Perry recovers will impact Australia’s plans for the upcoming tournament.
With the ball, Perry’s performance was limited to just three overs, finishing with figures of 3-0-15-0.
As a seasoned World Cup veteran, Perry has played 25 matches since her debut in 2009, accumulating 673 runs with a top score of 71, as well as picking up 31 wickets.
Australia’s campaign in the 2025 World Cup kicks off on Wednesday, October 1, against New Zealand Women in the tournament’s second match, set to take place at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
