Five minutes with dual international Ellyse Perry
Perry became the youngest Australian ever to play senior international cricket when she made her debut in the second One Day International (ODI) of the Rose Bowl Series in Darwin in July 2007 before her 17th birthday.
Perry featured prominently in her side’s campaign to claim back-to-back ICC Women’s World Twenty20 titles in the West Indies in 2010 and Sri Lanka in 2012, and was named in the Team of the Tournament for both events.
Six months later, she played a key role in Australia claiming the ICC Women’s World Cup in India in 2013, despite suffering from an ankle injury. She finished with 3-19 in the final, claiming the scalps of the West Indies’ top three batting order.
Having recently been named the most marketable Australian athlete and the latest recruit to the Fox Sports team, we managed to grab Ellyse for five minutes to see what makes this busy sportswoman tick.
Cricket and soccer, what a busy life you lead, how do you manage everything?
With a lot of incredible support from both cricket and soccer, as well as a wonderful family and group of friends. It's always such a privilege and pleasure to being doing something you love and I feel incredibly indebted to everyone who has continued to make that possible for me.
Tell us what it was like to win the ICC Women’s World Cup in India earlier this year?
It was a really special tournament for our team. It's always great to achieve success and to be able to do that in one of the pinnacle events of our sport, with such a wonderful group of players and staff was a true highlight.
You’ve just recently signed on with Fox Sports, tell us what you’ll be doing with them?
I'm really excited to join Fox Sports! Most of my role will centre around on screen appearances as well as some ambassador work.
Being an Aussie, how excited are you to have the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in your backyard?
Major sporting events are always incredibly exciting, especially for the host nation. One of the truly wonderful things about sport is its capacity to bring everyone together. I have no doubt there will be a tremendous atmosphere and air of excitement around Australia and New Zealand during the event, and it will be great to see the world’s best cricketers playing on our local grounds.
You would have been two when the tournament was last held in Australia and New Zealand in 1992, any memories at all from this?
Not too many! I'm sure I was too busy giving my parents grief as a toddler.
When you’re not playing sport, what’s your favourite holiday destination in Australia and overseas?
I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to visit some really wonderful and diverse parts of the world through sport. Europe is one of my favourite places to explore, but in terms of holidays I absolutely love spending time at some of the beautiful coastal areas around Australia.
Of your professional sports career, what has been the most memorable moment?
Having the opportunity to represent my country in two sports, alongside some really remarkable teammates has been very special.
Finally, what would you say to people out there aspiring to become an elite athlete?
Make the most of absolutely every opportunity and enjoy the challenge just as much as the outcome.