Perry poised for Southern Stars return

Australia are set to welcome back star allrounder Ellyse Perry for their must-win second Rose Bowl one-day international against New Zealand on Thursday.

Perry has been sidelined since mid-January due to a hamstring injury suffered in the Rebel Women's Big Bash League and her return could not come at a better time for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, who must win their final two ODIs at Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval is they want to continue their 17-year hold on the Rose Bowl trophy.

The 26-year-old could be one of two big-name inclusions for Australia, with vice-captain Alex Blackwell also a strong chance to return after missing the opening one-dayer due to a mild hamstring strain suffered in the final T20I at Adelaide Oval last week.

Perry was not part of the T20 squad that lost 2-1 on home soil, but has returned to full training since arriving in New Zealand.

"Everything is progressing really well and my hamstring is feeling really great," Perry said in Mt Maunganui on Wednesday.

"I think all things considered, I'm in a really good spot."

Despite not having played since January 20 – she injured her hamstring while batting for the Sydney Sixers against the Melbourne Renegades – Perry is pleased with how quickly she has been able to return, given the severity of the injury.

Quick Single: Coyte announces cricket retirement

"It's obviously never nice not to be playing but that's also part and parcel of being an athlete.

"I've had some wonderful support and help from Cricket Australia and Cricket New South Wales, where I did the majority of my rehab.

"It's been nice to get back in such a quick time considering the extent of the injury."

Perry was in strong form with the bat for the Sixers before her untimely injury, scoring 384 runs in 13 innings at 38.40.

She was also in outstanding form during Australia's ODI series against South Africa last November, named player of the series after scores of 93no, 95no, 69, 56 and taking seven wickets.

Despite her time on the sidelines, Perry is confident of picking up where she left off at Bay Oval.

"It's been a long time since I played in a lot of ways, but I'm confident with the rehabilitation done and the preparation I've been able to do since injuring myself and getting back on tour with the girls.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity tomorrow and seeing how it goes.

"They're coming off (the bat) okay but you never know until you get out in the middle.

Quick Single: Teenage leggie spins into good company

"New Zealand have been playing great cricket and have given us some big challenges over the last couple of matches and they have an in-form bowling attack, so it'll be tough but fun if I play tomorrow."

Ahead of the opening ODI in Auckland, Southern Stars coach Matthew Mott said he wanted Perry to be firing at full fitness with both bat and ball before she made a return, and the allrounder is confident she's ready to go in both facets of her game.

"My rehab has got me to a position where I can do both, which is the way I like to play the game.

"I feel like I'm 100 per cent and ready to do both."

Despite losing three consecutive matches to the White Ferns in the last seven days – two T20s and the first ODI – Perry says the mood in the Southern Stars camp is upbeat heading into their final two must-win matches.

"A few results haven't done our way but there was a lot of improvement in the last match in terms of our batting.

"We missed a few things with the ball the other day but everyone's feeling positive and the girls are determined to improve and are looking forward to another opportunity."

The added pressure of knowing the games are being carefully watched by Australian selectors who will be sitting down over the coming weeks to determine the squad for the one-day World Cup in England this June will also be driving the Southern Stars, Perry believes.

Quick Single: White Fern aiming to outdo Kumar

"I think that's one of the most exciting things about this squad, the depth we've got with players who aren't even here on tour pushing for selection.

"The camps coming up will provide good opportunities for a lot of girls to be competitive and push for positions in that final squad.

"It's a good position to be in, it will challenge people and it means we have to work a bit harder to improve thing, which is a really positive thing."