'It's back to developing some things in my bowling to play a bigger role again' - Ellyse Perry looks determined as Ashes challenge draws closer

Australia women's all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been impressive with the willow in hand over the years, but she's been enjoying a bowling transformation that could see Australia retain the Ashes in the forthcoming series. England will host Australia in the Women's Ashes 2023, which begins on June 22 and concludes on July 18. 

Having been a member of the side since her international debut in 2007, Perry was a mere spectator when Australia won the Commonwealth Games (CWG) gold last year. However, she found another spark, making her way back into the shortest format of the game to help Australia win the Women’s T20 World Cup in February 2023.

Perry's position in Australia's top order for the upcoming five-match series against England has been boosted further in the absence of skipper Meg Lanning. She averages 75 in a ten-match Test career that includes a double century. With an unbeaten century in Australia's intra-squad match in Brisbane this week, she is gearing up for the only Test at Trent Bridge, which begins on June 22.

While speaking in regards to the challenge that lies ahead of her in the form of the Ashes, Perry said that the challenge after receiving a chance as a bowler was to develop as a batter. She added that now it's time to go back and develop some things in her bowling to play a greater role again.

"I've loved it actually. It's come a bit full circle. The challenge was to develop as a batter after getting my opportunity as a bowler. Now it's back to developing some things in my bowling to play a bigger role again," Perry told AAP.

The 32-year-old went on to say that there was a period where she had to fight against things, so she had been putting a lot of effort into getting back to that point where she can make good progress. Perry also confirmed that she has no intention of calling it quits on her career.

"My body, in this last little bit, has felt really great. I had a patch there fighting against things, so I've been working hard to get back to that and am having a nice run at it. I feel really free from that point of view. It's been a fun process.

"I'd love to still be involved as long as people like me around. It's restrictive to think you can play for 'x' many years. But it might be a case that I can wake up tomorrow and it might not be the same for me," she added.