Australia's Ellyse Perry Sparks World Cup Injury Fears After Retiring Hurt in ODI Against India

Australia suffered a significant injury scare with star all-rounder Ellyse Perry retiring hurt in the first ODI between India Women and Australia Women at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

Perry, who had been in solid form, was cruising at 30 runs from 38 balls with three fours and a six, striking at a healthy 78.94. She had built a vital partnership of 79 runs with Phoebe Litchfield, stabilising Australia’s chase of India’s total of 282.

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However, in the 20th over, Perry was visibly struggling with cramps and had to leave the field. Although she appeared in good spirits as she walked off, her exit raised concerns for the upcoming Women's World Cup, as any serious injury to Perry would be a major setback for the Australians.

Beth Mooney was sent in to replace her, but the absence of Perry—who has been a key figure in Australia’s middle order—created a noticeable gap in the batting lineup.

Perry’s came to bat after India’s Kranti Goud claimed the important wicket of Alyssa Healy, leaving Australia with a bit of work to do in their run-chase. How quickly Perry recovers and whether she can contribute fully will likely play a significant role in Australia’s preparations for the tournament.

Perry didn’t play a big part with the bat after she was untrusted with only three overs where she finished with figures of 3-0-15-0.

Perry is a veteran of the World Cup, having played 25 matches since her debut way back in 2009. In those games, she scored 673 runs with a top score of 71 and picked up 31 wickets.

Australia will start their 2025 World Cup campaign on Wednesday, October 1, when they play against New Zealand Women in the second match of the tournament. The clash will be held at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.