In a year of exceptional performances, Ellyse Perry has emerged as the shining star, claiming both the Women’s T20I Player of the Year and Women’s ODI Player of the Year awards.
The T20I Player of the Year award is particularly significant for Ellyse Perry, who, about 18 months ago, found herself dropped from the Australian T20 XI due to a perceived sluggish strike rate. However, as champions often do, Perry used this setback as an opportunity to evolve. The result was a rejuvenated batting approach, marked by a newfound power game that took her T20I career strike rate from 109.83 to an impressive 148.29 during the award’s voting period.
Perry’s ability to step up in crucial moments was evident throughout the year. She played a pivotal role in saving Australia from the brink with an unbeaten 51 from 27 balls at The Oval during the multi-format Ashes. Additionally, her composed innings of 34 not out from 21 balls against India showcased her clutch performances, reinforcing her indispensability to the team.
The ODI Player of the Year award further solidifies Perry’s status as an all-format star. Her work on the power game that contributed to the T20I win also translated seamlessly into the 50-over format. Batting at first drop during the one-day leg of the multi-format Ashes, Perry delivered crucial performances, including scores of 42 in Bristol, 53 in Taunton, and a stellar 91 in challenging conditions at Southampton. The latter innings played a pivotal role in Australia’s Ashes retention, as they defended a target of 282 by a mere three runs.
✅ Women's ODI Player of the Year
✅ Women's T20I Player of the YearDouble honor for Ellyse Perry 🫡❤️#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/lyqfDUhXzN
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) January 31, 2024
Perry’s influence extended beyond the Ashes, with noteworthy contributions against Ireland and India. Her innings of 91 from 99 balls in Dublin and a crucial half-century in India showcased her versatility and ability to adapt to varying conditions. Perry’s partnership with Phoebe Litchfield, where she scored 50 from 47 balls, played a crucial role in setting up a match-winning total at the Wankhede Stadium.
In a year marked by personal bests, match-winning performances, and a resurgence in her playing style, Ellyse Perry’s dual triumph in the T20I and ODI categories solidifies her as one of the most outstanding cricketers on the global stage. Her ability to evolve, deliver under pressure, and contribute across formats underscores Perry’s enduring impact on women’s cricket and her status as a true cricketing luminary.