Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has showered plenty of praise on Ellyse Perry after the pair exchanged texts regarding her T20 World Cup-ending hamstring injury.

All-rounder Perry was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after tearing her hamstring in Australia’s final group game against New Zealand, and she watched on from the sidelines as the reigning champions defeated South Africa in the semi-final to qualify for Sunday’s final at the MCG against India. The 29-year-old is set to undergo surgery after the tournament and will be out of action for six months. 

On Instagram, Gilchrist – who played for Australia’s men from 1996 to 2008 – posted a screenshot of a message from Perry after he “sent a text wishing her a speedy recovery”.

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“Thanks Gilly!” wrote Perry. “Means a lot… just a very small amount of bad luck in what has been a very lucky ride. So excited for tomorrow, could be the most amazing sight of my career. Hope you are well and thanks again. x”

In his caption for the picture, Gilchrist wrote: “@ellyseperry [Perry’s Instagram handle] has a book titled ‘Perspective’ and I reckon she epitomizes the word.

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“This was her reply after I sent a text wishing her a speedy recovery and to stay strong through the disappointment of missing the T20 World Cup Final. What a bloody legend!”

Perry also took to Twitter on Saturday to thank those supporting the tournament ahead of the final, writing: “Incredible to believe tomorrow is a genuine reality for our team. To everyone who has already spent their time supporting this World Cup, thank you for making it such a special experience. And to everyone coming tomorrow, I can’t wait to be seriously nervous with you all!”

Incredible to believe tomorrow is a genuine reality for our team. To everyone who has already spent their time supporting this World Cup, thank you for making it such a special experience. And to everyone coming tomorrow, I can’t wait to be seriously nervous with you all! pic.twitter.com/UKQMqck4Qo

— Ellyse Perry (@EllysePerry) March 7, 2020

Over 75,000 tickets having been sold for the match. The tournament organisers are aiming to set a new record attendance for a women’s sporting fixture; the figure to beat is 90,185, set at the 1999 Women’s FIFA World Cup final.