Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry says she does not expect Pakistan to be a pushover in the upcoming ODI and T20I series, despite her side’s status as world champions in both white-ball formats.
Key points:
- Australia and Pakistan will play six white-ball matches
- The back-to-back series will serve as Australia’s final warm-up before the T20 World Cup
- Perry says she is excited about the prospect of playing in the women’s IPL
The three-match ODI series begins in Brisbane on Monday, before the two sides meet in as many T20Is.
It will be Australia’s final tune-up before its defence of the T20 World Cup in South Africa next month.
Australia is on top of the ICC rankings in both ODIs and T20Is, with Pakistan languishing in ninth and seventh in the respective formats.
Despite Australia being overwhelming favourites in the back-to-back series, Perry said Pakistan could not be taken lightly.
“They’ve had some new players come through and certainly their depth has built up,” Perry told ABC Sport.
“They’re a team that is certainly developing, but equally they are going to be a really good challenge for us and are capable of playing some really good cricket.”
Beyond the T20 World Cup, Perry’s focus is likely to turn to the inaugural edition of the women’s Indian Premier League, which is set to be staged in March.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India will reportedly unveil the name of the five franchises contesting the tournament later this month, in addition to the cities where they will be based.
Perry said the IPL was an exciting development for women’s cricket.
“It’s probably a brand new frontier for the game and a really important one in terms of continual growth and progress,” she said.
“It’s a really exciting prospect … the fact that it’s happening is so important and an awesome opportunity for everyone.”