Ellyse Perry is a name synonymous with resilience. A generational athlete who has excelled in both football and cricket at the highest level, she has time and again proven her ability to rise above challenges. Whether leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a historic Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in 2024 or battling through injury concerns during the Ashes in January 2025, Perry’s journey is a testament to her unwavering spirit.
Before injury concerns took center stage, Perry enjoyed a spectacular WPL 2024 campaign, where she was at her imperious best. As a key pillar in RCB’s long-awaited title triumph, she delivered a masterclass in consistency and all-round excellence.
Perry amassed 347 runs in nine matches at a phenomenal average of 69.40, securing the prestigious Orange Cap last season. Her performances, coupled with Smriti Mandhana’s astute leadership and Richa Ghosh’s fearless batting, propelled RCB to their first-ever championship. The title win was a historic moment—not just for the team but for the Bengaluru franchise, which had long yearned for silverware.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the WPL 2024 came when Perry showcased her brute power against UP Warriorz. Facing Deepti Sharma, she launched a monstrous six that shattered the rear window of a car on display at the stadium.
This jaw-dropping feat had only been seen once before in Indian franchise cricket, when Chris Gayle achieved it during IPL 2021. It was a defining moment that encapsulated Perry’s ability to entertain, dominate, and leave a lasting impression on the game.
Fast forward to January 2025, and Perry found herself facing a different challenge. During the one-off Ashes Test, she suffered a painful injury while attempting to flick a ball back from the boundary rope. The heavy landing on her left hip forced her off the field, missing the final two hours of England’s first innings.
With Australia batting later in the day, Perry was expected to walk in at No.3, but her injury meant Annabel Sutherland took her place instead. Concerns grew over the severity of the injury, as Perry’s absence was a significant blow to Australia’s lineup.
However, she soon provided an update, reassuring fans that the setback was not as serious as feared.
“In the coming days, I will have a really clear picture of exactly what it looks like. Yeah, but I don’t think there are any major concerns with my hip, and I will be fine,” Perry said in an exclusive interaction with Female Cricket.
Despite her determination to push through, Perry struggled to make an impact in the Ashes series. Her numbers were below her usual high standards—14, 60, and 2 in the ODIs; 2, 7 & 0/18, 12 in the T20Is; and just 2 runs in the Test.
For a player who has consistently been one of Australia’s most reliable performers, this was an unfamiliar phase. RCB will be hoping that she joins them as soon as possible and finds her mojo at the earliest.
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