Cricket news round-up – March 3: Ellyse Perry out of T20 World Cup 2020 with hamstring injury

Australia suffered a major blow when it emerged that Ellyse Perry, the all-rounder, would not be able to play the rest of the T20 World Cup due to a hamstring injury. Elsewhere, Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen returned to the ODI set up to play India, while Nuwan Pradeep and Dhananjaya de Silva are out of the T20Is against West Indies.

Ellyse Perry ruled out of remainder of T20 World Cup

Australia all-rounder and one of the biggest draws of the women’s T20 World Cup 2020 has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury.

Perry did her hamstring while fielding during Australia’s final group stage clash against New Zealand, and limped off the field with the help of support staff. Australia’s team doctor, Pip Inge, later said Perry had suffered a “high grade” injury to her right hamstring, and is expected to be out for a long time.

“Ellyse sustained a high-grade right hamstring injury that is expected to keep her out of the game for a significant period of time. We are currently exploring management options.”

Australia see off New Zealand to claim last semi-final spot

Australia beat New Zealand by four runs in a thriller to ensure the defending champions qualified for the women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals.

Australia posted 155/5 after being asked to bat, thanks largely to Beth Mooney’s 50-ball 60. New Zealand threatened in the chase, but a Megan Schutt burst in the death overs – she picked three quick wickets for 28 – and Georgia Wareham’s 3/17 helped restrict New Zealand to 151/7.

The loss meant New Zealand have now failed to qualify for the knockouts of a world event for a third consecutive time.

Du Plessis called up to South Africa squad for India ODIs

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who was rested from the ODIs against Australia, will return to the side when they travel to India.

Rassie van der Dussen was also named in the 15-man squad for the India series, having been rested against Australia, while George Linde, the left-arm spinner, has received his maiden call up.

There was no place in the squad for Janneman Malan, though, following his golden duck on ODI debut against Australia in Paarl.

Pradeep, de Silva out of West Indies T20Is

Sri Lanka will be without Nuwan Pradeep and Dhananjaya de Silva for the two-match T20I series against West Indies, after the duo picked up injuries.

Asitha Fernando was named Pradeep’s replacement, while Sri Lanka Cricket stated they would not call up a replacement for de Silva.

Pradeep sustained a hamstring injury during he final ODI against West Indies, while de Silva sustained a wrist injury while fielding in the same match.