Ellyse Perry's ton helps Australia wrap up ODI series in West Indies
A brilliant Ellyse Perry century and a record-equalling Ashleigh Gardner half century have steered Australia to a commanding 151-run ODI win against the West Indies to secure the threegame series 2-0 for the tourists. Perry brought up her second ODI century – 112 not out off 118 balls – while Gardner’s brutal 57 not out helped Australia to 308-2 at Sir Viv Richards Ground.
Gardner’s 50 came off just 23 balls to equal the record for the fastest ODI half-century by an Australian woman – smashing three sixes and six other boundaries. In reply the home side batted out their 50 overs and ended their innings 157-8 with Georgia Wareham (2-30) the only multiple wicket taker.
Perry, one of six Australian wickettakers, said it was pleasing to wrap up the series after two dominant performances. “I think we’ve done pretty well
adapting to the different conditions as
quickly as we have as well,” she told
Cricket Australia.
“All in all, especially with Ash at the end there and Midge [Alyssa Healy] at the start there was some really good things throughout both innings and games so far, so it’s been really worthwhile for the group and nice to be a part of it.”
Australia suffered a setback with captain Meg Lanning ruled out minutes before the toss in Antigua with back spasms. Vice-captain Rachael Haynes won the toss and elected to bat and she was the first to fall, for 13, bringing Perry to the crease.
Opener Healy reached 58 from just 43 balls before she joined Haynes on the sidelines when she was caught behind. Perry and Beth Mooney put Australia in the box seat, the duo both posting half centuries before the latter retired due to heat stress when she was on 56.
Australia won the first match of the series by 178 runs with the game three to be played in Antigua on Wednesday (2330 AEST).