Australia suffer a massive blow with star allrounder Ellyse Perry removed from the attack after delivering two no balls above the waist
Perry removed from Australia attack
Ellyse Perry has sensationally been forced out of Australia’s attack after bowling consecutive waist-high full-tosses in the sixth over of England’s run chase in Coffs Harbour.
Initially set 297 to win before a rain delay reduced the target to 285 from 46 overs, England will no longer have to face Perry after the allrounder bowled a head-high ‘beam ball’ at visiting captain Heather Knight before following it up with another full-toss above the waist next ball.
Standing umpire Claire Polosak called over Australia skipper Rachael Haynes and Perry to explain the bowler’s ejection from the attack for the remainder of England’s innings.
Coffs International Stadium was hammered with rain and hail in the innings break, a furious thunderstorm that delayed the start of play before a second downpour removed the players from the field, reduced the match by four overs and drenched the outfield, making the two new balls slippery and the use of drying towels imperative.
Nothing like a spot of HAIL to cool things down in Coffs 🌨 #WomensAshes #BeatEngland pic.twitter.com/gtlndQNMyq— Australia Women 🏏 (@SouthernStars) October 26, 2017
Fortunately for Australia, their commitment to playing a sixth bowler after encountering issues that department in the Women’s World Cup this winter means Haynes still have five capable bowlers to choose from, with Tahlia McGrath completing Perry’s over.
It’s a huge blow to Australia, who are looking to take out the ODI portion of the multi-format Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes Series having won a thriller in Brisbane last Sunday.
Perry had been in fine form with the ball, benefiting from her time spent with former England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard in England in their domestic T20 competition.
Hoggard, a veteran of 67 Tests with 258 wickets, immediately picked up a slight technical flaw with Perry’s run up.
Perry’s second last step used to land parallel to the popping crease but with Hoggard’s advice, her right foot now points straight down the wicket, allowing her to flow through the crease, generate more pace and outswing, the same swing her English tutor was famous for.
Hoggard’s work complements the efforts of Australia assistant coach Joe Dawes and NSW Lendlease Breakers and Sydney Sixers head coach Ben Sawyer, whom all have and continue to play an integral role in Perry’s evolution as a fast bowler.
“After the World Cup I had a bit of time in England in the KSL,” Perry said in Coffs Harbour Tuesday.
“I was really fortunate enough to work with Matthew Hoggard.
“He’s helped me with a few different things and that’s continued with Joe Dawes and Ben Sawyer back here in Oz.
“It’s been nice to have some small improvements, it’s by no means a polished product.
“ … some small technical things in my run up and at the crease.
“He’s had a lot of success as a player so it was a real thrill to work with him and really thankful for his input.”
Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes
Australia lead England 2-0
Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.
England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.
Schedule
First ODI Australia won by two wickets
Second ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 26
Third ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 29
Coffs Junior Cricket Association Partners: Coffs Harbour District JCA, Nambucca Bellingen JCA, and Clarence River JCA
Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12
First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17
North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation
Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19
Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21
Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT