Australia's head coach provides Ellyse Perry fitness update ahead of ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final

Australia head coach Shelley Nitschke remains optimistic about the availability of veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final, while crediting her side's collective efforts for another dominant campaign.

The six-time champions have once again lived up to their reputation, reaching yet another World Cup final with an unbeaten record. Rather than relying on individual brilliance, Australia has produced consistent all-round performances throughout the tournament, with different players stepping up at crucial moments.

However, the only cloud hanging over the Australian camp ahead of Sunday's (July 05) title clash is Perry's fitness. The experienced all-rounder retired hurt during Australia's semi-final victory over the West Indies, leaving doubts over her participation in the final.

Speaking ahead of the summit clash, Nitschke admitted that the team is still awaiting a clearer assessment of Perry's condition but remains hopeful she will be fit in time.

"Not completely yet. Obviously, we haven't trained since the game, so we train tomorrow and hopefully she'll come through okay and is available on Sunday, but we don't really have a clear picture of what that looks like. We're confident, but just not completely 100% sure of how that's sort of gone at the moment," she was quoted as saying by ICC.

While acknowledging the significance of having a player of Perry's experience in a World Cup final, Nitschke emphasized that the all-rounder would only feature if she feels capable of making a full contribution in all facets of the game.

"I think there's still certain things that she wants to want to be able to do as well to be able to still sort of contribute to the team and hold her own, whether that's in the field or running between the wickets. But there is that element of, you know, this is a World Cup final," she continued.

Nitschke also believes the team's depth and willingness to share responsibility have been the defining features of their unbeaten run.

"I think the way we've played, the way we've gone about it and probably the number of contributions across the team. We've had different people stick their hand up with the bat and make a contribution," she concluded.

Australia have already secured their place in the final and will now await the winner of the second semi-final between England and South Africa.