Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry is on the cusp of a significant milestone in her cricketing career, as she nears her 300th international match. Perry, who is poised to reach this landmark if she plays against India in the upcoming second WT20I match on January 7, has expressed her ambitious goal to extend her career to an impressive 400 international games, contingent on her fitness.
Currently, Perry holds the fourth position in the list of most matches played by a female cricketer. The record is led by India's Mithali Raj with 333 internationals, followed by England's Charlotte Edwards and New Zealand's Suzie Bates, who have each played 309 internationals. Notably, no Australian woman has reached the 300-match mark, making Perry's imminent achievement a historic first for Australian women's cricket.
"I'm very much open to whatever pans out in the next little bit for me. I'm absolutely loving the opportunity to be a part of this group still, and I think if I'm in the same phase as I am at the moment, then I'd love to play 400," Perry said ahead of the 2nd T20I.
Perry's recent form has been particularly noteworthy in the Women's One Day International (WODI) series against India, where Australia achieved a clean sweep. Despite Australia's loss in the first WT20I match of the series against India, Perry is optimistic about contributing to the team's return to winning form.
"But I don't think any of us have a crystal ball either, so if that doesn't pan out as well, then I've more than had my fair share of amazing experiences with this group. As long as I can contribute to the team, and it's something that I find really motivating and enjoyable, I'd love to be here," Perry added.
The Australian women's cricket team is currently undergoing a significant transition phase, following the retirements of iconic players Meg Lanning and vice-captain Rachael Haynes. Perry, during her discussions about this transition, expressed confidence in the team's future, assuring that the team is in capable hands.
"It's a great time for us, of evolution. You've seen a lot of that in the way that Phoebe Litchfield has performed in those one-day matches; Annabel Sutherland, her last 12 months. That's something we're incredibly conscious of, (to) maintain the success we've had, but equally evolve that, to look a little bit different in the way the team plays," Perry said.
"The game is moving at such a rapid pace. There's a new environment. In a lot of ways, for our game at the moment, the sky's the limit in terms of where it can go. For me, it's just always trying to make the most of what pops up and hopefully continue to get better for as long as I can," she concluded.
Her experience and performance will be vital in guiding the team through this period of change and towards continued success on the international stage.
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