ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Australia star all-rounder Ellyse Perry ruled out of tournament with hamstring injury

Melbourne, March 3: Australia's star all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup after she injured her right hamstring while fielding against New Zealand on Monday (March 2).

Perry was attempting a run out during their final group match against New Zealand and immediately left the field.

The blow means Australia, who will play England or South Africa in Thursday's semi-final, will contest a Women's T20 World Cup match without Perry for the very first time. Australia defeated New Zealand by four runs to enter the knock-out stage alongside India from Group A.

The 29-year-old had featured in all 36 of her country's matches in the tournament to date, a run stretching back to the inaugural edition in 2009 when she was a teenager.

No replacement has been named with Perry to remain a member of the 15-player squad.

"Ellyse sustained a high-grade right hamstring injury that is expected to keep her out of the game for a significant period of time," said team doctor Pip Inge.

"We are currently exploring management options and will continue to support Ellyse through her recovery."

A hamstring injury was not the first knock Perry was carrying in this competition, with question marks over her shoulder and hip leaving her doubtful for Australia's game against the White Ferns.

But she stepped up to the plate to take to the field in her country's must-win game, her late cameo with the bat proving invaluable in the four-run win.

Now the four-time champion will have to make do with watching from the sidelines for the first time having played integral roles in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018 successes.

"Ellyse is a key member of our squad and has been for a long period of time and on a personal level we're disappointed that she won't have the opportunity to finish the tournament," said head coach Matthew Mott.

"She gives her absolute all every time she takes to the field for her country and that was evident again against New Zealand in the selfless manner in which she threw herself into her batting, bowling and fielding performances.

"We're confident that we have enough depth in the squad to cover her batting and bowling and know whoever gets an opportunity will make a strong contribution."