If you do a quick Google search for “top cricket players in Australia,” you’ll likely come across names like Pat Cummins, Don Bradman, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, and other legendary figures who have left their mark on the game. What you might not see, however, are the names of women cricketers, despite many of them carving out equally remarkable careers. Historically, women’s cricket hasn’t received the same spotlight or media attention as the men’s game, though that’s finally beginning to change.
Among Australia’s finest female players, one name stands out above the rest: Ellyse Perry. Her journey, achievements, and influence on the sport have been nothing short of extraordinary. This article takes a closer look at Ellyse’s cricket career, records, and incredible achievements, personal life and net worth. But before we dive in, check out the best cricket rate live for your next wager.
Ellyse Perry: Early Life and Background
Ellyse Alexandra Perry was born on November 3, 1990, in Sydney, New South Wales. Raised in the suburbs of Wahroonga and West Pymble, Perry grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged her love for sports, and from an early age, it was clear that she was naturally gifted. She attended Beecroft Primary School before moving on to Pymble Ladies’ College, where she excelled both academically and on the sporting field. Perry wasn’t, however, limited to just cricket, as she also dabbled in other sports, including tennis, athletics, touch football, golf, and football (soccer).
By her teenage years, Perry’s all-around athletic ability was very evident, and it became increasingly clear that she was destined for a career in professional sport. Interestingly, she grew up alongside another future cricket star, Alyssa Healy, who is currently her friend and teammate on the Australian national team.
International Cricket Career
At just 16, before she had even completed her schooling, Perry was called up to represent Australia in both cricket and football. She became the youngest Australian, male or female, to play for the national side when she made her international cricket debut in a One-Day International against New Zealand in July 2007. A month after that, she featured in her first T20 International.
Around the same time, Perry was also playing for Australia’s women’s football team. She, in fact, went on to compete at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She, however, eventually stuck with cricket, establishing herself in the Australian setup with each performance, till the point where she became the cornerstone of the team.
One of Perry’s most notable performances with the Southern Stars came in the 2010 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final, where she managed to deflect the ball with her foot while bowling to seal Australia’s victory over England. She was again instrumental in the 2013 Women’s World Cup, where, despite nursing an ankle injury, she bowled a decisive spell in the final against the West Indies, to help Australia clinch the trophy. Today, with multiple World Cups, Ashes victories, and countless match-winning performances to her name, Perry is one of the most decorated international players in women’s cricket history.
Domestic Cricket Career
While Ellyse Perry’s international career was legendary, her contributions at the domestic and franchise level have been just as influential. In the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), she first represented New South Wales, where she played a key role in their dominance throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s. Later, she moved to Victoria, where she continued to showcase her consistency as both a top-order batter and a reliable bowler.
Her impact, however, was most visible in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). As captain of the Sydney Sixers, Perry became the face of the league, guiding her side to back-to-back titles and playing a pivotal role in helping the competition grow into one of the premier women’s cricket tournaments in the world.
In recent years, Perry has also explored franchise cricket outside Australia. Most notably, she joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India. There, she brings her experience, star power, and leadership to one of the game’s most high-profile stages.
Achievements and Records
Over the course of her career, Perry has broken multiple records, collected awards, and set benchmarks that few cricketers, male or female, can match. One of her most celebrated records came in 2017, when she scored an unbeaten 213 in a Women’s Ashes Test against England. It remains the highest individual Test score by an Australian woman. She also became the first player, male or female, to achieve double the 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20 internationals.
Perry’s success is not limited to individual milestones. She has been part of eight world championship-winning Australian teams across both 50-over and T20 World Cups. In terms of accolades, she is a multiple-time winner of the Belinda Clark Award (Australia’s highest individual cricket honor) and was named the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Decade in 2020. Wisden also recognized her among the “Five Cricketers of the Decade” in 2016 and 2019.
Statistically, she’s recorded more than 6,700 runs and over 300 wickets across formats in international cricket. And in domestic cricket, she’s compiled over 8,500 runs while claiming 251 wickets.
Personal Life
While sport has always been at the center of her identity, Perry is also known for writing, having authored four children’s books. In 2015, she married Australian rugby player Matt Toomua. However, the couple later announced their separation in 2020. Since then, she has kept her personal relationships private.
Perry has also been actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, including programs that encourage young girls to take up sports and initiatives aimed at empowering youth through education and physical activity. She’s also known for her support for the McGrath Foundation, the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, and the LBW (Learning for a Better World) Trust.
Net Worth and Earnings
Given her stature as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time, it comes as no surprise that Ellyse Perry has built significant wealth alongside her sporting legacy. Recent estimates suggest her net worth is in the range of $10 million or more. This places her among the highest-earning female athletes in Australia.
A large portion of her earnings comes from her cricketing contracts. As a centrally contracted player with Cricket Australia and a key figure in the Women’s Big Bash League (Sydney Sixers) as well as the Women’s Premier League in India (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Perry commands some of the top salaries available in women’s cricket.
Endorsements also make up a substantial part of Perry’s income. Over the years, she has partnered with leading brands such as Nike, Jockey, and CommBank. Her published works, that is, her children’s books, also add to her income streams.
Conclusion
Ellyse Perry is a name that will be remembered in women’s cricket for generations. Her records, achievements, and influence have already secured her place among the sport’s legends. Yet what makes her story truly remarkable is that it’s still unfolding. At 34, Perry continues to compete at the highest level, breaking barriers and inspiring young female athletes around the world.