Sydney Sixers suffer Ellyse Perry injury blow as star allrounder is ruled out for up to three weeks

Perry, who has scored 469 runs at an average of 93.80 in this year’s competition, has been ruled out with a shoulder problem

Sydney Sixers have been dealt a major blow to their Women’s Big Bash chances after their captain, Ellyse Perry, suffered a shoulder injury.

The allrounder, who has scored 469 runs at an average of 93.80 in this year’s competition, has been ruled out for one to three weeks with a low-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint problem.

The injury occurred when the Australia star landed heavily while fielding during Sixers’ two-wicket defeat against Melbourne Renegades on Sunday.

She will miss her side’s game against Hobart Hurricanes on Wednesday and is doubtful for her team’s following match – an away fixture against Perth Scorchers.

It is difficult to quantify the extent of the impact Perry’s absence on Ben Sawyer’s side. As well as opening the batting alongside wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy – the pair have contributed 756 runs between them, she has also taken the new ball.

Her 25 overs in the tournament to date have proven hugely effective; her economy rate of 5.80 is the fourth-lowest of anyone in this year’s competition.

Her absence will increase the pressure on Healy at the top of the Sixers’ batting order, while it will leave Australia head coach Matthew Mott and his national team colleagues sweating on the fitness of their key player ahead of 2020’s T20 Women’s World Cup, which gets underway on February 21.

Sixers medical staff have confirmed that they expect Perry to be fit for finals weekend, which begins on December 7, should they make it that far.

They currently sit third in the table – two points behind leaders Brisbane Heat, but three ahead of Sydney Thunder, who sit sixth in a congested, competitive competition.

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