Australia Women's star all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been ruled out of the team’s World Cup semifinal against the West Indies due to back spasms, according to captain Meg Lanning. The teams are due to play on Wednesday in the high-voltage clash.
Perry, who should be fit to play the final in case Australia make it, had missed the semifinal and final of the 2020 T20 World Cup as well because of a hamstring injury.
She struggled during the team's win over South Africa last week and sat out training until Monday.
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"We'll go in without her tomorrow and we'll keep assessing her if we are to progress in the tournament," said Lanning at the pre-match presser.
“She batted a little bit in the nets yesterday and felt okay, but she certainly just wasn’t in a position, unfortunately, to be able to perform at the level needed for tomorrow."
“Unfortunate for her and the team, obviously a big blow, but we feel like we’ve got some good depth to be able to cover it and we’re going to have to do that tomorrow.”
Lanning said Australia were optimistic about Perry recovering in time for the final in Christchurch on April 3.
The all-rounder has taken five wickets in six innings and scored 146 runs in five innings for Australia in the tournament. She was adjudged player of the match against New Zealand and the West Indies.
Annabel Sutherland, daughter of former Cricket Australia chief executive James, is likely to retain her place in the team after replacing Perry for the win over Bangladesh last Friday.
Unbeaten Australia, who are aiming for a seventh World Cup triumph, take on the West Indies on Wednesday, while holders England play South Africa in the other semi final in Christchurch on Thursday.
- With inputs from agencies