Image Credit- Getty
Ellyse Perry says that playing 400 matches could be
possible, but she is keeping an open mind regarding the remainder of her
incredible international cricket career.
When India hosts the second game of their Twenty20
International Series in Mumbai on Sunday, the all-rounder will become the first
Australian woman to reach 300 appearances for her country.
Perry is one of Australia’s greatest athletes of all
time and a major factor in the national women’s team’s continued success. When
asked if playing 400 games was a goal, Perry replied that she had no upper
limit on her playing career.
“I don’t know what’s in store …but if it’s
meant to be down the track and I’m still around playing …I’m really open to
what happens,” she said from India. “I don’t have a set time frame on
it. Either way it doesn’t really matter, it’s just another number.
“For as long as I can contribute to the team and
it’s something I find really motivating and enjoyable, I’d love to be
here.”
Perry changed her style of play to become a key member
of Australia’s T20I squad after being dropped off of it early in 2022.
Additionally, since suffering a significant hamstring
injury during the 2020 World Cup, the 33-year-old has bowled less. For both
Perry and the formidable Australian squad, it is imperative that they continue
to develop as individuals.
This visit has seen India defeat Australia in a Test
match for the first time, as well as win the initial Twenty20 International
match. In between, the tourists won the one-day series handily.
“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,” Perry said.
“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. The game is moving at such a rapid
pace. There’s a new environment. In a lot of ways the sky’s the limit in terms
of where it can go.”