Pez will lend a hand in dugout

ELLYSE Perry will be asked to help mentor Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup title defence after being ruled out of the tournament yesterday with a hamstring tear.

Perry was handed the shattering news when scans confirmed the worst after she left the field in tears in Monday’s clutch win over New Zealand.

It means Australia will have to play without her in a T20 World Cup match in tomorrow’s semi-final for the first time in history, after Perry played every game since the tournament began in 2009.

However, Australia opted against replacing her in the squad, meaning she can still remain in the dressing room and dugout during matches. That access would have been denied if she was replaced.

“She will definitely have a part to play,” coach Matthew Mott said. “Her experience around World Cups and the person that she is, she is already a real strong leader in our group. I think she will take that up a level.

“She will be a big part of our bowling planning meetings — which she already is. she will also take a lot of responsibility for that. She will relish being busy and being helpful where she can.”

Perry has helped the country to the title four times and was the ICC’s women’s player of the year last year.

Australia face a stark challenge without her.

“We’re as well prepared as anyone to deal with the things that keep getting thrown at us,” Mott said.

“The group has been incredible, no one is feeling sorry for themselves. When you’ve got leaders like Ellyse who turn up to the drinks last night

as a team, it was as though there is no injury there.”

The 29-year-old’s injury is cruel, given Perry played a vital role in the development of the women’s game to the point where a sold-out final at the MCG on Sunday is a target.

But Mott insisted there were no regrets over playing her on Monday, after she had battled hip and shoulder injuries in the lead-up.

“No regrets at all, it was a different injury,” he said.

“She was aware there were potential risks with a number of issues she had. Her impact yesterday was huge, and it was a must-win game. She’s taken it amazingly well. With a few of the niggles that come along at any given time she probably thought there could be one that could keep her out.”