Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry played down the disappointment of falling one run short of her third Test century against England, insisting instead that a sense of enjoyment prevailed on a tight day one tussle at Trent Bridge.
The 32-year-old appeared in fine fettle, and shared a partnership of 119 with vice captain Tahlia McGrath, on her way to 99 after the visitors’ elected to bat having won the toss.
She was denied her ton by debutant Lauren Filer, though, cutting to the hands of Nat Sciver-Brunt at gully.
“I suppose it is a number and one that we talk about a lot in cricket, but the whole experience out there was fun,” Perry said.
“That ball just had my measure which is totally fine. I really enjoyed today to be out there and be a part of it. It was a great atmosphere, a great crowd. It shows how much quality there was across bat and ball.
The veteran Australian handed her wicket-taker some credit, too. Western Storm seamer Filer took 2-65 across 14 overs, also claiming the wicket of opener Beth Mooney, caught in the cordon.
“I had a really great tussle with Filer,” Perry continued, “I thought she was extremely impressive on debut and brought the game alive at different points.
“Sometimes things just go that way. It was nice to contribute, nice to be a part of a few really good partnerships, and there is not much to dwell on there. It is just like any other time you get out. The game goes on, and life goes on.”
Filer, who wrapped Perry on the pad with her first delivery in international cricket for what she thought was a wicket before the decision was overturned, described her experience making her first England appearance in the Ashes as particularly unique.
“I’m not usually lost for words, but I didn’t really know what to say to Jon when he told me that I was starting” she laughed.
“I was shocked, but it was obviously really good news. I was nervous for five minutes before the game started and for five minutes on the pitch, but once I fielded the ball I calmed down a bit.
“I was just trying to bowl straight when I came on. When it hit [Perry’s] pad I was just screaming. I did hear two noises but I thought it was pad first. It was a shame it wasn’t given out but it was a good confidence boost.
“It was really enjoyable to [get the wickets]. I try to look to bowl fast, so those catches were important.”
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Women's Ashes at Trent Bridge
England and Australia will lock horns at our home over five days from Thursday 22 to Monday 26 June, with the fixture set to break records for women's Test attendances in this country.