Injury heartache in a tale of two Perrys as Aussie star is ruled out

American pop star Katy Perry is on track to perform at the MCG for the Women’s T20 World Cup final but Ellyse Perry is out

Australia's Ellyse Perry is helped to her feet by teammates after being injured in their T20 World Cup clash with New Zealand. Picture: AFP

American pop star Katy Perry is on track to perform at the MCG for the Women’s T20 World Cup final and the Australian team is one win away from the same event, but star allrounder Ellyse Perry will take no part in what is shaping to be a historic moment in the women’s game.

Perry has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury in Monday’s four-run win over New Zealand in Melbourne.

Perry, who passed a fitness test on a mystery hip ailment before the game and has managed a shoulder injury that kept her out of the Big Bash League, limped from the field in tears during the New Zealand innings.

Scans later revealed a serious hamstring tear. The severity of the injury means Perry will also miss Australia’s tour of South Africa later this month.

Australian Team Doctor Pip Inge said: “Ellyse sustained a high-grade right hamstring injury that is expected to keep her out of the game for a significant period of time.

“We are currently exploring management options and will continue to support Ellyse through her recovery.”

The 29-year-old, who made her international soccer and cricket debut as a 16-year-old, is the highest-profile female cricketer in the world and one of its most marketable stars.

Perry has been the pin-up girl for women’s cricket but has begun to share the spotlight with teammates, including Alyssa Healy and captain Meg Lanning, as the game’s profile has risen.

The positive for her side is they have essentially made it this far without any contribution from the champion.

Forced to slide down the batting order as the side sought more flexibility, Perry had scored five runs from just five deliveries in the tournament before a cameo yesterday saw her hit 21 valuable runs batting in the later overs.

Lanning, a columnist for The Australian, has never lost faith in her team despite some stutters through the tournament and backed them even without Perry.

“She’s been a massive part of our squad and our team for a long time and you can’t replace her, but we’ve got 15 players here who can do a job and you need a squad to win a World Cup,” Lanning said.

“We’re going to have to use our depth … that’s just the reality of it.

“I’ve got full confidence that any player who comes in can play a role, and we’re just going to have to get through it and maybe play slightly differently, but we’ll have to adapt.”

Head coach Matthew Mott praised Perry for the courage she has displayed throughout the World Cup and expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to step up in her absence.

“Ellyse is a key member of our squad and has been for a long period of time and on a personal level we’re disappointed that she won’t have the opportunity to finish the tournament,” Mott said.

“She gives her absolute all every time she takes to the field for her country and that was evident again against New Zealand in the selfless manner in which she threw herself into her batting, bowling and fielding performances.

“We’re confident that we have enough depth in the squad to cover her batting and bowling and know whoever gets an opportunity will make a strong contribution.”

The home team must now win on Thursday at the SCG to make it through to Saturday’s final at the MCG, which coincides with International Women’s Day.

Organisers report that ticket sales have passed 50,000, and they will need Australia to win on Thursday to kick on sales.

Heavy rain predicted for Thursday could dash the home side’s dream. There is no spare day in the calendar if it is washed out, and because India finished ahead of Australia, they would ­advance if there is no play.