Ellyse Perry shines in losing cause as England women restore parity against Australia

In what would prove to be a denting affair in the end for the Australian women, RCB all-rounder and Australian legend, Ellyse Perry would put up a daunting fight in the face of unfathomable pump, propelling the Australian women to a thrilling 183 in response to England’s 186. 

In a series comprising three T20Is, it is all square now as the Aussies bagged the opener while the English women came back on a strong note, leaving the fate of the fray for the grand finale.

Batting first, England found themselves in firm control of the proceedings as Sophia Dunkley and Dani Wyatt controlled the tempo of the game in fine fashion. The English skipper, Heather Knight, however, couldn’t really hit her stride as she fell to Annabel Sutherland for a duck.

Australian all-rounder, Ellyse Perry would chip in with a late over that saw her claiming Danielle Gibson as Darcie Brown pouched a regulation take to help Australia fight back strongly. At the end of their 20 overs, England totted up 186 for the loss of nine as Ellyse Perry added to the sheen of the Aussie bowling unit with figures of 1/5 from her solitary over that was spearheaded by Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner as the duo plundered five wickets between them.

Despite a rock-solid start for Australia, riding high on the shoulders of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, things would suddenly come to a standstill as they lost wickets in a flurry. Teetering at 75/4, Ellyse Perry walked out to the center. After weathering the early storm, she started hitting back and what looked like a meek submission from the Aussie tail would soon turn into a war of hope as Perry kept on fighting.

Australia would finish the game inches short of the finish line but Ellyse Perry stayed unbeaten for 51 from just 27 balls, hammering five fours and two sixes en-route to what would be a remarkable fightback from her.