Perry finds mentor in 2005 Ashes hero

Former England seam bowler Matthew Hoggard has played a small but crucial role in taking Australia allrounder Ellyse Perry's bowling to another level.

Perry was back to her best with the ball in the first Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes one-day international, bowling with good pace and probing outswing to return figures of 2-50 from 10 overs in the thrilling two-wicket win at Allan Border Field last Sunday. 

While her prolific run-scoring has seen her elevated to No.3 as Australia's most reliable batter in the absence of injured skipper Meg Lanning, Perry remains the Southern Stars fastest bowler and now with Hoggard's help, she's become even more lethal.

The pair worked together during Perry's stint at the Loughborough Lightning in England's domestic T20 competition following Australia's semi-final exit of the Women's World Cup.

Hoggard, a veteran of 67 Tests with 258 wickets, joined the Lightning as an assistant coach this year and immediately picked up a slight technical flaw with Perry's run up.

Image Id: 900AB2463D9A4FE380C8752D923A31DF Image Caption: Hoggard took 16 wickets in England's 2005 Ashes-winning team // Getty

Perry's second last step used to land parallel to the popping crease but with Hoggard's advice, her right foot now points straight down the wicket, allowing her to flow through the crease, generate more pace and outswing, the same swing her English tutor was famous for.

Hoggard's work complements the efforts of Australia assistant coach Joe Dawes and NSW Lendlease Breakers and Sydney Sixers head coach Ben Sawyer, whom all have and continue to play an integral role in Perry's evolution as a fast bowler. 

Image Id: 9C9E1A2F1FC24355A3239AAB7496EAED Image Caption: Perry bowling for Loughborough earlier this year // Getty

"After the World Cup I had a bit of time in England in the KSL," Perry said in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday.

"I was really fortunate enough to work with Matthew Hoggard. 

"He's helped me with a few different things and that's continued with Joe Dawes and Ben Sawyer back here in Oz. 

"It's been nice to have some small improvements, it's by no means a polished product. 

" … some small technical things in my run up and at the crease. 

"He's had a lot of success as a player so it was a real thrill to work with him and really thankful for his input."

While Hoggard was happy to lend a hand to Loughborough's star overseas signing, he made it known to Perry whose side he was in on when it came to the Ashes.

The 40-year-old, who played a key part in England's historically epic Ashes triumph in 2005, would regularly tell Perry he hoped she did well but that England ultimately won.

"There was a bit of ribbing in amongst it," Perry said. 

"I think sometimes he was reluctant to be forthcoming with information, but no, he was wonderful. 

"He's a great character. It was a real thrill to work with him, just a different insight on the game. 

"He's a really vibrant and eccentric character and I learned a lot, which was great."  

Australia and England have arrived in Coffs Harbour ahead of Thursday's day-night second ODI at Coffs Harbour International Sports Stadium.

Tickets for the match, and Sunday's third ODI at the same venue, can be purchased here.

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.

Schedule

First ODI Allan Border Field, October 22

Brisbane Charity Partner: Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust

Second ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 26

Third ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 29

Coffs Junior Cricket Association Partners: Coffs Harbour District JCA, Nambucca Bellingen JCA, and Clarence River JCA

Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12

First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17

North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation

Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19

Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21

Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT