Perry: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Ellyse Alexandra Perry is an Australian sportswoman celebrated for her extraordinary accomplishments in both cricket and soccer. Born on November 3, 1990, in Wahroonga, New South Wales, Perry made history as the youngest-ever Australian international cricketer at the age of 16 and stands out as the only person to have represented Australia at both the ICC Cricket World Cups and FIFA Women's World Cups. Her remarkable versatility and athletic prowess have earned her a reputation as arguably the greatest female cricketer of all time, with countless records, awards, and championships underscoring her dominance. This article explores ten compelling facts about Ellyse Perry, shedding light on her dual-sport career, her achievements, personal life, and current status in the world of sports.

1. Early Dual-Sport Phenomenon

Ellyse Perry embarked on her international sporting journey in 2007, debuting in both cricket and soccer within weeks of each other at just 16 years old. Unlike most athletes who specialize early, Perry excelled simultaneously in two vastly different sports. Remarkably, she played for Australia's national soccer team, the Matildas, including at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, scoring in a quarter-final match. Balancing elite cricket and soccer, she was Australia's first dual international, showcasing incredible athleticism and dedication in both arenas before focusing primarily on cricket from 2014 onward.

2. Record-Breaking Cricket Career

Perry's cricket career is distinguished by her all-round excellence. She holds records such as the highest individual Test score by an Australian woman—an unbeaten 213 runs—and the first player globally to accumulate 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Known for her right-handed batting and right-arm fast-medium bowling, Perry has been instrumental in Australia's dominance with eight world championships, including two ICC Women's World Cups and six ICC Women's T20 World Cups. She has won numerous individual accolades, including the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Decade and multiple Belinda Clark Awards.

3. Versatile Domestic and Franchise Career

At the domestic level, Perry has demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership. She played for New South Wales for over a decade, contributing significantly to their record eleven Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) championships, before moving to Victoria in 2019. In franchise cricket, Perry has been a pivotal member and captain of the Sydney Sixers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), leading them to multiple titles. Her global footprint extends to playing for Loughborough Lightning in England's Kia Super League, Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred tournament, and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League, where she notably won the Orange Cap in the 2024 season.

4. Personal Life and Marriage

Ellyse Perry was married to Australian rugby union player Matt Toomua in December 2015. The couple's union was widely celebrated as a sporting power couple in Australia. However, in 2020, after nearly five years of marriage, Perry and Toomua announced their amicable separation. Perry has remained notably private about her personal life, focusing on her sporting career and philanthropic efforts in causes such as the McGrath Foundation and Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation.

5. Impact Beyond the Field

Beyond her cricket statistics and records, Perry is a highly marketable athlete and an influential role model in women's sports. Endorsed by global brands such as Adidas and L'Oréal, she has used her platform to promote women's participation in sports and authored a popular four-book series aimed at encouraging girls to engage in physical activity and overcome challenges. Her 2019 book "Perspective" offers insights into her sporting journey, resilience, and mindset, inspiring young athletes worldwide.

6. Overcoming Injuries and Maintaining Fitness

Throughout her career, Perry has faced challenges common to elite athletes, including hamstring, shoulder, and ankle injuries. Notably, she missed parts of the 2020 ICC Women's World T20 due to injury but remained a vital presence in a mentoring role. Perry's commitment to fitness and rehabilitation has been exemplary, often documented through her social media and training posts. Her dedication enables her to compete at the highest levels even in her mid-30s, a testament to her professionalism and work ethic.

7. Social Media Presence and Public Interaction

Ellyse Perry maintains an active Instagram presence with over 2.5 million followers, offering fans glimpses of her cricketing exploits, training regimes, and personal moments. Her approachable and modest nature shines through her posts, fostering a strong connection with fans globally. Despite her fame, Perry consciously limits her presence on other social media platforms to maintain focus and reduce distractions.

8. Recent Move and Current Status

After six years playing for Victoria, Perry announced her decision to return to her home state of New South Wales for the 2025 domestic season. She continues to play for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League, where she remains one of the key performers. Perry was part of the Australian squad that won the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup and the 2022 Commonwealth Games T20 gold, further cementing her legacy.

9. Ellyse Perry's Statistics and Records

Over an illustrious career spanning more than 300 international matches, Perry has scored over 7,000 runs and taken more than 330 wickets across formats. She ranks among the top run-scorers and wicket-takers in Women's One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. Her batting averages exceed 45 in ODIs and she maintains a bowling average around 25, exceptional for a genuine all-rounder. She holds numerous records, such as most wickets in Women's T20 World Cups for Australia and best bowling figures in Women's Premier League history.

10. Relationship with Former Spouse Matt Toomua

Matt Toomua is an accomplished Australian rugby union player born in 1990. He played over 50 Tests for Australia and club rugby in Australia, England, and Japan. He and Perry met in 2012, married in 2015, and supported each other’s professional sports careers, including Perry's move to Victoria when Toomua signed with the Melbourne Rebels. Their separation in 2020 was public but handled with mutual respect, with both focusing on their individual paths post-divorce.

Conclusion

Ellyse Perry has crafted a sporting career that transcends boundaries—literally and figuratively—not only achieving historic feats in cricket and soccer but becoming a symbol of excellence and resilience in women's sports. Her trailblazing journey from a dual international teenager to a seasoned, record-holding cricket legend epitomizes dedication and versatility. As she continues to compete and inspire new generations, Perry’s legacy is secured as one of Australia's greatest sports icons. Her story invites reflection on the evolving landscape of women's sports and the potential for future athletes to follow in her remarkable footsteps.