Tense wait for injured star

Perry in doubt for sudden-death showdown

AUSTRALIA’S most valuable player could miss the biggest women’s match played in this country, with an injury cloud hanging over superstar Ellyse Perry.

The all-rounder missed training yesterday and she remains in serious doubt for today’s sudden-death Twenty20 World Cup game against New Zealand because of a hip injury.

Already troubled by a shoulder issue, Perry suffered more pain during Thursday’s thumping win against Bangladesh.

A call on the 29-year-old will be left as late as possible for the crunch match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval, with the winner into the semi-finals.

“I’m confident (of Perry playing),” captain Meg Lanning

said yesterday. “Given the player she is, she’s shown in the past that she’s extremely resilient and able to play through things.

“We’ll give her every chance to play but we won’t go making a call on that until (today) when she’s able to do something.”

If Perry is ruled out, Australia could bring in quick Delissa

Kimmince or spinner Molly Strano, who played in the first two World Cup games, while young all-rounder Sophie Molineux is also a chance.

Overwhelming favourites pre-tournament to defend their 2018 crown, Australia have been in do-or-die mode since dropping their opening group game to India.

Lanning has faith in her team being equipped to handle the pressure of booking a finalfour berth, which would be against England or South Africa.

“There’s no escaping that it’s a big game. There will be a few nerves about us, there will be with the New Zealand team,” Lanning said. “I’ve really sensed a calmness about our group in the last few days.”