Talismanic Aussie all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been ruled out of the Australian Women’s World Cup game against Bangladesh after being taken off the field against South Africa as she suffered back spasms. However, her teammates, support staff, and management are confident that she will be back to full fitness in time for next week’s semi-final fixtures.
Team physiotherapist Kate Beerworth said that Perry’s back is responding appropriately to the treatment and expects her to be back for next week’s semi-finals, for which Australia have already qualified.
Perry took a tumble at the edge of the boundary in a fielding attempt in Australia’s previous World Cup group stage encounter against South Africa, which left her nursing her back. The 31-year-old was taken off the field, and also did not bat during Australia’s successful run chase of the 272-run target that the Proteas set for them.
Australia’s batting has been in good form throughout the tournament, recently chasing down South Africa’s score of 271/5 with nearly five overs left. Australia also made short work of the 278-run target set for them by the Indian women, winning the game comprehensively by six wickets.
Each of the run-chases featured brilliant knocks from captain Meg Lanning, who got 97 and 135* respectively, and this has instilled a lot of confidence within the Aussie camp, as per spinner Jess Johannsen.
“It’s huge, particularly for our batting group. It was a really pleasing thing for our batting group to be able to go out and put a marker out there, I guess, make a statement.
The India game got a bit closer than we would have liked. But coming into our last-round game and then the finals, hopefully, it gives them even more confidence in higher pressure games.”
she said while speaking to the press.
Johannsen was pleased with the Aussies’ undefeated campaign in the World Cup so far, but refused to be complacent and felt that further improvement was possible.
“Against South Africa, we weren’t able to take wickets upfront, but we were able to hold them. So just needing to tighten up in a few areas, which I think is really exciting considering we have gone undefeated whilst still identifying areas that we can still improve on.”
she concluded.
