Perry Backs Australia’s Depth for Successful ODI World Cup Defence
As Australia prepare to defend their Women’s ODI World Cup title in India and Sri Lanka, veteran allrounder Ellyse Perry believes the squad’s "huge depth" will be key to maintaining their dominance on the global stage.
Perry, who will be appearing in her fifth ODI World Cup, spoke at a sponsorship event ahead of the team’s departure, expressing confidence in a side that blends experienced campaigners with an exciting crop of emerging talent.
“We’re really conscious of the fact that we’re incredibly fortunate to have some huge depth in our side, both batting and bowling,” Perry said. “There’s a real ethos within the group to utilise everyone’s talent on the day and to keep our foot down for as long as we can.”
Australia, winners of the 2022 ODI World Cup, have lost just three matches in the format since defeating England in the final in Christchurch. However, two of those defeats came in the 2023 Ashes, where their dominance was tested across formats. Combined with a semi-final exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup, it prompted some internal reflection.
“It’s going to be one person’s day most of the time, not everyone’s, but if we can be consistent with that, we’ve got a good chance of being successful more often than not,” Perry added.
A Changing of the Guard
This campaign will mark a new era for Australia, with stalwarts Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes retired and Jess Jonassen not reclaiming her place in the squad. In their place, a new generation has emerged — led by players like Annabel Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield, and Georgia Voll.
“[There have been] some fairly big changes to our group over the last four years,” Perry acknowledged. “But in the last particularly 12 months, we’ve had a fairly stable group and some really amazing young talent emerge as mainstays.”
Sutherland, in particular, has been a standout performer. Promoted to No. 5 in the batting order, she scored consecutive centuries against India and New Zealand, further cementing her place as a world-class allrounder. She was also awarded the Belinda Clark Medal last year.
“Annabel’s been absolutely superb for the last 12 months, probably before that,” Perry said. “She works exceptionally hard at her game. She’s never standing still.”
The same goes for Litchfield, whose composure and shot-making have already marked her as a central figure in the top order. Voll, though likely to start the tournament on the bench, has also made an impressive start to her international career.
“There’s some really special young players in the group,” Perry noted. “They balance out the experience that we have as well.”
Adapting and Evolving
Beyond individual performances, Perry pointed to the team’s growing emphasis on athleticism and fielding as part of their ongoing evolution.
“We want to run hard between the wickets, be really good in the field. Looking at some of our bowling options, we’ve got some of the quicker bowlers in the world. Hopefully we’re a dynamic side and that’s successful for us.”
Captain Alyssa Healy echoed similar sentiments earlier, noting the steady transition in the squad over the past few years.
Australia will play a three-match series against India before the World Cup begins. The defending champions will aim to become the first side since their own three-peat between 1978 and 1988 to go back-to-back in the Women’s ODI World Cup.
“It feels like with the women’s game, every World Cup just gets a little bit bigger, more competitive, and there’s more on the line,” Perry said.
With both experience and youth at their disposal, Australia appear well-positioned to make another deep run — and potentially write another chapter in their World Cup legacy.