On the verge of playing 300 games for Aus, Ellyse Perry open to reaching 400 appearances

Navi Mumbai, Jan 7 : On the verge of becoming the first Australia player to play 300 matches across all formats of international women’s cricket, premier fast-bowling all-rounder Ellyse Perry said she is open to clocking an unprecedented 400 appearances.

When India take on Australia in the second T20I at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday evening, Ellyse, 33, will become just the fourth player after Mithali Raj, Charlotte Edwards and Suzie Bates to play 300 matches across all formats of international women’s cricket.

"Im very much open to whatever pans out in the next little bit for me.Im absolutely loving the opportunity to be a part of this group still, and I think if Im in the same phase as I am at the moment, then Id love to play 400."

"But I dont think any of us have a crystal ball either, so if that doesnt pan out as well, then Ive more than had my fair share of amazing experiences with this group.I think thats just another number, but for as long as I can contribute to the team, and its something that I find really motivating and enjoyable, Id love to be here," Ellyse was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Ellyse was left out of the Australia T20I team early in 2022, but she reformed her game to return into the side six months later with back-to-back effective knocks against India later in the year.She also picked a nomination in the ICC Women’s T20I cricketer of the year award for 2023.

"To be honest, I think from a bigger picture point of view, Ive just had so much pride and joy in being involved in the team for the period of time that I have (which has been) such an influential time in womens sport as well.To see the progress thats taking place in that period has been truly amazing.

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"From a personal point of view, with that has come different challenges and different opportunities to get better and keep trying to evolve the way that I play.From the last 18 months point of view, thats just been part of it and Ive really enjoyed that challenge – but I think Ive probably got a lot more pride in just having the opportunity to be a part of this team for as long as I have," she added.

The next 18 months will see Australia defend their World Cup titles in both T20Is and ODIs, apart from hosting Women’s Ashes at home.Ellyse is eager to be a part of the transition Australia will be going through post the exit of regular skipper and talismanic batter Meg Lanning.

"Its a great time for us, of evolution.Youve seen a lot of that in the way that Phoebe Litchfield has performed in those one-day matches; Annabel Sutherland, her last 12 months.

Thats something were incredibly conscious of, (to) maintain the success weve had, but equally evolve that, to look a little bit different in the way the team plays."

"The game is moving at such a rapid pace.Theres a new environment.

In a lot of ways, for our game at the moment, the skys the limit in terms of where it can go.For me, its just always trying to make the most of what pops up and hopefully continue to get better for as long as I can."

nr/bc