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Alex Blackwell has praised Ellyse Perry, who played a vital role in Australia’s semi-final victory at the World Twenty20, for adding another string to her bow.
Game-breaking allrounder Ellyse Perry is one of many examples of how hard Australia have worked in their bid for a fourth Twenty20 crown.
Australia face England in the World T20 final in Antigua, with the game starting at 11am AEDT on Sunday.
Victory will arguably reaffirm Australia’s status as the benchmark in women’s cricket, a mantle they surrendered with losses in the 2016 World T20 final and 2017 one-day World Cup semi-final.
A rejigged batting order and its new-found sense of aggression have helped Meg Lanning’s team bulldoze their way into the tournament decider.
Perry, who this month became the first Australian cricketer to play 100 T20 internationals, has also played a crucial role.
The 28-year-old has grabbed eight wickets at 8.25 in the tournament, notably finishing with the astonishing figures of 2-2 from two overs in Australia’s semi-final win over West Indies.
The fast bowler’s highlight in the semi was an offcutter that skittled the stumps of Deandra Dottin, the gun opener who steered her side to victory in the 2016 World T20 final.
“She’s not known for her slower ball but I know it’s something she has been working on,” Alex Blackwell, Australia’s most-capped T20 player, told AAP.
“She’s been bowling these cutters on pitches in the West Indies that are gripping a little bit. They’re almost coming out as little offspinners and they’ve been really effective.
“Our bowlers have been quite adaptable and versatile. There’s not just one plan, they have multiple options and they’re adding to their game like Pez has.
“Pez has been a mainstay of this side … in big games you want experience and I think she’ll step up, as will Meg Lanning our captain.”
Alyssa Healy’s sparking form has earned her four player-of-the-match awards but Blackwell, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, noted she isn’t the only threat that England need to worry about.
“England have a strong side but I think Australia’s depth, especially in our batting order, is superior,” Blackwell said.
“Look at the way Rachael Haynes finished off the innings in the semi, coming in at No.6 and scoring 25 not out, it was almost the difference.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s male T20 squad will be among the many fans following Sunday’s final from back home.
“The style they’ve played, the way they’ve gone about it has been great,” captain Aaron Finch said.
“Everyone in Australia should be really proud of what they’ve achieved, regardless of the result.”
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