Perry praises Mandhana’s willpower, backs Women’s Champions Trophy

Australia legend Ellyse Perry has hailed India's Smriti Mandhana for her 'incredible willpower' and 'super-strong mind', and described Harmanpreet Kaur's tenacity as her greatest strength. Perry, speaking to JioHotstar and PTI, said Mandhana has 'got it all' in terms of skill, preparation, and love for challenges, while Harmanpreet is a fierce competitor who hits some of the biggest shots in women's cricket.

Perry also backed the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy, starting February next year with six teams in a T20I round-robin format. She called it a great opportunity for the women's game and a huge physical and mental challenge. Reflecting on her own career since 2007, the 33-year-old said the landscape of women's cricket has changed dramatically, and senior players now learn as much from younger teammates as they teach.