Perry Backs Australia’s ‘Huge Depth’ Ahead of ODI World Cup Defence

Perry Backs Australia’s ‘Huge Depth’ Ahead of ODI World Cup Defence

Veteran allrounder Ellyse Perry believes Australia’s “huge depth” across batting and bowling will be key to their title defence at the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure to India, where they will play a three-match series before the World Cup begins, Perry reflected on the stability and evolution of the current squad. Now entering her fifth ODI World Cup, she is confident that the blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars makes this side one of the strongest Australia has fielded.

“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 during a sponsorship event with Chemist Warehouse. “There’s a real ethos within the group to make sure that we can utilise everyone’s talent on the day.”

Australia are seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back Women’s ODI World Cups since their own treble between 1978 and 1988. Since lifting the 2022 title in Christchurch, they’ve lost only three ODIs—two of them during the 2023 Ashes series.

While not seen as a crisis, those defeats, coupled with a semi-final exit in last year’s T20 World Cup, forced the team to reassess and refine their approach to remain ahead of the growing competition in women’s cricket.

Perry pointed to a shift in mindset: attacking from the outset, adapting to conditions, and embracing consistency. “It’s going to be one person’s day most of the time, not everyone’s,” she said, “but if we can be consistent with that, we’ve got a good chance of being successful more often than not.”

Youthful Talent Stepping Up

The squad has undergone significant change since their dominant run following the disappointment of the 2017 World Cup semi-final exit. Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes have retired, and Jess Jonassen has not reclaimed her place. Yet in their absence, young stars have risen.

Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland are now central figures in the batting line-up, while Georgia Voll had a standout debut year. Although Voll may not start every game, her presence adds to the competitive depth.

“[There’s been] some fairly big changes to our group over the last four years,” Perry noted. “But in the last 12 months, we’ve had a fairly stable group and some really amazing young talent emerge as mainstays.”

Sutherland in particular has shone with both bat and ball. Promoted to No. 5 in the batting order last season, she responded with back-to-back centuries against India and New Zealand, earning the Belinda Clark Medal.

“Annabel’s been absolutely superb,” Perry said. “To think that she’s still so young is quite incredible. She works exceptionally hard at her game. She’s never standing still.”

Fitness and Fielding Key to Staying Ahead

The Australians are also doubling down on athleticism, keen to stay dominant in the field as well as with bat and ball.

“We want to run hard between the wickets, be really good in the field,” Perry said. “Looking at some of our bowling options, [we have] some of the quicker bowlers in the world as well. Hopefully we’re a dynamic side and that’s successful for us.”

Australia’s World Cup campaign begins after their warm-up series in India. Captain Alyssa Healy also emphasised the evolution within the squad since their 2022 triumph, saying that player development and opportunity have helped maintain consistency despite a number of changes.

With a squad that combines world-class experience and dynamic youth, Perry is confident the team is ready for the challenges ahead.

“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,” she said. “We’re excited.”

Australia's World Cup Squad Highlights

  • In: Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll

  • Out: Meg Lanning (retired), Rachael Haynes (retired), Jess Jonassen (not selected)

  • Key Fixtures: Three-match ODI series vs India before World Cup

Australia fly out to India on Wednesday as they begin final preparations for their title defence.