Captain Meg Lanning says Australia can win a fifth Twenty20 World Cup even if Ellyse Perry is ruled out with injury.
The superstar allrounder injured her hamstring in Monday’s four-run win against New Zealand, which ensured the hosts qualified for the semi-finals.
READ: Can the Aussies cover Ellyse Perry’s injury?
But after being helped off the field in tears, it would take a near-miracle for Perry to recover in time for Sunday’s MCG final if Australia qualify.
Lanning said Perry was relieved Australia had beaten the White Ferns but “down” about her own situation.
“She’s obviously been a massive part of our team and squad for a long time and you can’t replace her,” she told reporters.
“We’ve got 15 players here who can do a job and you need a squad to win a World Cup.
“You can’t rely on one or two players and the same eleven each game.
“I’ve got full confidence that any player who comes in can play a role and we’re just going to have get through it.”
Perry was already under an injury cloud in the lead-up to the do-or-die game after hurting her hip against Bangladesh last Thursday.
She passed a pre-game fitness test, taking her place in the team to hit a vital 21 before disaster struck during New Zealand’s chase.
Perry also opened the bowling, sending down two overs but she injured her hamstring when returning a diving throw.
Australia join unbeaten India as semi-finalists from Group A.
Lanning’s team will face South Africa or England in a semi-final clash at the SCG on Thursday.
© AAP
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