Ellyse Perry has plundered a career-best 75 (47) during the third T20I against India in Mumbai, the Australian all-rounder’s first half-century in the 20-over format in more than three years.
The 32-year-old smacked nine boundaries and three sixes as Australia clinched a 21-run victory at Brabourne Stadium to secure a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
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Following a disappointing slump in form last year, Perry was axed from the national T20 side in favour of South Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath.
Perry, considered one of the greatest cricketers of the past decade, watched from the sidelines as Australia won the gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games earlier this year.
But the retirement of Rachael Haynes opened the door for Perry’s return, and the Sydney Sixers captain, who scored 408 runs at 40.80 during the recent Women’s Big Bash League, showed national selectors what they’d been missing.
Australia was in dire straits at 2-5 when Perry walked to the crease in the second over, with captain Alyssa Healy and McGrath knocked over cheaply during the Powerplay.
She combined with opener Beth Mooney for a crucial 64-run partnership for the third wicket to steady the ship before accelerating after the drinks break.
Perry brought up her first T20I fifty since July 2019 in just 33 deliveries, eventually dismissed by left-armed seamer Anjali Sarvani in the 17th over, with Radha Yadav holding onto a juggling catch at short third man.
It was her fastest half-century for Australia, a significant achievement considering recent criticism about her strike rate in the game’s shortest format.
Queensland big-hitter Grace Harris provided some late fireworks for the Australians, plundering 41 (18) to steer the visitors towards 8-172 from their 20 overs.
Harris currently boasts the highest strike rate (165.07) in the history of women’s T20Is, of those who have played at least 10 matches.
“Grace’s innings tonight, that was so important in the context of the match,” Perry told reporters after the win.
“I thought Grace did an outstanding job, and was probably the different in the end for us.
“She’s an amazing player. You just look at her strength, and she can stand and deliver like no one else probably can in the game.”
India could only muster 7-151 in response after opener Shafli Verma top-scored for the hosts with 52 (41).
Young seamer Darcie Brown, who missed the first two T20s due to illness, claimed 2-19 from her four overs despite some wayward bowling in the Powerplay, while spinner Ash Gardner also snared two wickets.
Despite some sloppy fielding from Australians, a late collapse of 5-40 ensured India fell comfortably short of the 173-run target.
The fourth T20 between India and Australia gets underway on Sunday morning AEDT, with the first delivery scheduled for 12.30am.