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Australia’s legendary all-rounder Ellyse Perry has shut down speculations about her retirement from international cricket, saying she still loves being involved in the game. Perry, who has represented Australia in both cricket and football, suffered a minor knee injury during the second ODI against Ireland in Dublin last month. She scored 91 off 99 balls to help Australia win by 153 runs, but did not take the field for the second innings.
Perry’s injury sparked rumours that she might call time on her illustrious career, which includes eight World Cup titles across formats, and more than 5,000 runs and 300 wickets in international cricket. However, the 32-year-old dismissed the reports, saying she was feeling fine and looking forward to playing more cricket.
"It is pure speculation to know what happens in a couple years' time, but from my perspective, I still love being involved. In terms of motivation, it is still exactly the same, if not more. In a lot of senses, it's (women's sport) arrived, and things just become more and more exciting every year," Perry was quoted by Cricket Australia.
Perry also expressed her excitement about the growth of women’s sport in Australia and around the world, saying it was a major motivator for her to continue playing. She cited the success of the Women’s Ashes, which drew record crowds and viewership, as an example of how women’s sport has arrived on the big stage.
The Australian great hopes to be fit for the start of the domestic season in late September after suffering a knee injury last month in Ireland that forced her to withdraw from the Hundred.