Australia may have walked away with an emphatic eight‑wicket victory over India in the series opener at New Chandigarh, but the major talking point was veteran all‑rounder Ellyse Perry’s calf trouble that forced her to retire hurt on 30.
With the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 less than three weeks away, Perry’s brief on‑field treatment and precautionary withdrawal inevitably raised eyebrows. However, captain Alyssa Healy was quick to allay concerns, insisting the 34‑year‑old’s setback was “just a bit of cramp” and of no lasting concern.
Perry, batting fluently with three boundaries and a six in her 38‑ball knock, appeared in control before pulling up mid‑stride and seeking medical attention. She continued briefly but eventually walked off, leaving Australia fans anxious.
Healy, though, was dismissive of any larger issue: “She is just old, she is fine,” the skipper joked, adding that Perry’s exit was purely precautionary with the bigger picture of the ODI World Cup 2025 in mind.
Perry’s departure did little to halt the Aussie juggernaut. In fact, it created the stage for Phoebe Litchfield’s dazzling 88 off just 80 balls, which included 14 boundaries and a string of audacious switch‑hits. The opener was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Reflecting on her innings, she said, “The conditions over here are nice for batting, to chase it down with balls to spare is a really cool thing.” Her innovation and fluency, though short of her 3rd ODI century, set the template for how Australia dismantled India’s attack.
Australia’s batting depth came to the fore again, as Beth Mooney anchored with an unbeaten 77 off 74 balls and Annabel Sutherland chipped in with a rapid 54 from 51 deliveries. The visitors’ chase of India’s 281/7 never seemed under pressure, and they wrapped up the contest with 35 balls remaining.
For India, captain Harmanpreet Kaur rued what she termed “20‑30 runs short” and a series of dropped catches that undermined their position. “Our bowlers were trying to create opportunities, but we were not able to capitalise on those,” she admitted.
The timing of Perry’s niggle comes just ahead of Australia’s bid for an eighth world title at the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup (30 September–2 November 2025). With the tournament hosted across India and Sri Lanka, the Australians open their campaign against New Zealand in Indore on 1 October from 3 PM IST.
For a side built around Perry’s experience and balance, her fitness is crucial, but Healy and the team’s medical staff remain unconcerned, preferring to focus on the depth and intent displayed in the opening ODI triumph.
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