Perry says Aussies struggling with tour demands

Ellyse Perry says the Australian women’s team is still coming to grips with increased touring demands.

Belinda Clark Medallist Ellyse Perry with Allan Border Medal David Warner

After winning another Belinda Clark Award, star allrounder Ellyse Perry said the Australian women’s team is still coming to grips with increased touring demands.

Perry claimed Australian women’s cricket’s top individual award for the third time on Monday, edging out wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy.

As Australia prepares for the Twenty20 World Cup on home soil, starting in less than two weeks, the 29-year-old says the team is trying to peak at the right time.

Australia snuck into Wednesday’s tri-series final with a gutsy win against England, but they haven’t been convincing during the lead-up tournament.

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“We’ve played a lot of cricket in the last 12 months — more so than we ever have,” Perry said on Monday night.

“I think it’s something we’re still coming to grips with … so I think initially when we’ve come back together, it’s almost been a little bit rusty.

“As the series has gone on, and the more time we’ve spent together, we’ve been a lot more clinical in the way we’ve played.

“I think it’s been perfect that we’ve had such a competitive series against two of the other nations in the world that are probably the best at the moment.”

Perry had another sensational year, adding to her Belinda Clark Award wins in 2016 and 2018 — both of which also came in Ashes years.

She smashed 116 in the Test against England, then grabbed 7-22 — the best one-day bowling figures by an Australian woman.

Perry said Australia were focused on winning through to the World Cup final at the MCG on March 8.

AAP