It seems New Zealand breeds double international sport stars, especially when it comes to the White Ferns.
The likes of Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine have represented New Zealand in other sports and now it is White Fern debutant Liz Perry who is set to make two international teams.
The 22 year old Wellingtonian made her debut for the New Zealand women’s hockey team the Black Sticks last year and will make her debut for the White Ferns at the Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean in May. She said although both sports are quite time consuming it’s worth the effort. “I made my debut against Argentina last year with the Black Sticks along side Sophie Devine, and it has always been a goal of mine to play for two teams at an international level.
“I never thought it would happen so quickly because the hockey international programme has kept me busy. But I realised I wanted to give cricket a crack.”
The middle order Blaze batsman has been playing cricket from an early age. Her older brother played and she thought it was a natural progression to follow in his footsteps. “I was a bit of a tomboy and loved playing back yard cricket,” she said.
Her claim to fame with the informal style of the game was also taking the scalp of a well known former BLACKCAP at the State Backyard cricket game in Carterton nine years ago. “I caught Adam Parore,” she laughed. “Good times!”
Because of her place in the Black Sticks Perry has to be very fit and quick on her feet, which she said benefits her cricket immensely. “I can come in at the end of an innings and I’m really quick between the wickets. I can be a big hitter when I want to be,” she said. “I bring a bit of athleticism to the side.”
Perry was only named in the White Ferns squad this week and although she has been on the domestic scene for the Hinds and Blaze for some time, she was still ecstatic to get the call to the national side. “When Gary Stead (White Ferns’ coach) called me the first time I didn’t want to answer,” she laughed. “But when he called back he told me I’d made the side and I was completely dumbfounded. I couldn’t talk for about five minutes!”
She puts her selection down to her success over the weekend at the North v South tournament at Lincoln. “I managed to get a 50. I’ve got close before but never got a half century,” she said. “It was a great experience to meet the other girls.”
Perry is excited about her first major trip abroad to the West Indies and is looking forward to the challenges ahead. “Hopefully I can help the White Ferns bring home the World Cup.”
Quick Fire Questions
1. How would you describe yourself?
“Laid back, up for a laugh and motivated.”
2. What’s your secret talent?
“I can fit five ginger nuts in my mouth without them falling out!”
3. Do you have any qualifications?
“I studied for four years in Christchurch. I did honours in Anthropology and I’m looking for a job at the moment.”
4. What do you get up to in your spare time?
“When I’m not training I love hanging out with my friends and going to the beach.”
5. What advice do you have to young women who excel in two or more sports?
“Keep going with them. Don’t rule any of them out. It comes down to you being disciplined and having good support people around you.”
6. Is there anything you’d like to say to White Ferns fans?
“Come and support us! Hopefully we can bring home the World Cup!”
