Ellyse Perry at centre of worrying news after epic knock in Aussie ODI victory
The star Aussie batter turned in another brilliant performance, but celebrations were cooled somewhat by a worrying development.
Ellyse Perry has delivered a typically swash-buckling innings to deliver victory over Ireland in Australia's latest one-day endeavour, but may have picked up a knee injury in the process. Perry's knock of 91 from 96 deliveries, in tandem with Beth Mooney (49), helped Australia to a strong total which they were able to defend, in part thanks to an impressive spell from bowler Kim Garth.
Australia posted a daunting 7-321 from their 50 overs, a total Ireland weren't able to challenge despite some early resistance from Gaby Lewis (37) and Amy Hunter (50). Perry wasn't on the field for Ireland's innings, having reported soreness after her brilliant innings.
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While she was able to move freely after the match, it remains to be see whether the 32-year-old will play in the final match of the series against Ireland later this week. She's set to be assessed again prior to Friday's finale, the end of a hectic schedule following the drawn Ashes series.
The first match of the three-game series was washed out, with the third to be played on Friday at Clontarf Cricket Club. The knee injury didn't stop Perry being named Player of the Match.
She had some stiff competition though, with Ash Gardner smashing 65 off 39 balls to further inflate Australia's already generous total. Ireland would have been hopeful to get more support for the returning Garth, whose nine overs went for just six runs, with one wicket to boot.
Aussies ride barnstorming batting performance to win over Ireland
Aussie skipper Alyssa Healy said it was an encouraging performance, after inconsistency throughout the Ashes series allowed England to claw back a draw. Spinner Georgia Wareham claimed 3-33, while Tahlia McGrath and Jess Jonassen each took two wickets to have Ireland all out in 38.2 overs.
"It was nice to ... just put a good performance out there," Healy said. That's what we've been asking for the last six weeks.
"And we haven't done it consistently. It was nice to see everyone have a proper crack today and do really well."
Healy was highly complimentary of Garth's spell, with all nine of her overs coming consecutively. She said the 27-year-old, who started her international career with Ireland, had more to offer.
"She did fantastic," Healy said of Garth. "She could have bowled 10 on the trot there. It's great to see her back here, she is smiling so much. To see her enjoy her cricket, it's something really special to see."
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