Australia Women's head coach Shelley Nitschke has stated that the team could consider playing star all-rounder Ellyse Perry in the grand finale of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, despite her being short of full fitness.

Perry, who has been Australia's leading run-scorer in the tournament with 185 runs, was retired hurt during the chase against the West Indies in the semi-finals. She was taken off due to 'minor quad awareness', with Nitschke stating the possibility of her playing due to the stakes of the World Cup final. The team have yet to train since their semi-final win on Tuesday, June 30.

"Yeah, potentially, I think there's still certain things that she wants to be able to do as well, [to] be able to still contribute to the team and hold her own, whether that's in the field or running between the wickets. But there is that element of, this is a World Cup final, so what's our tolerance there? So certainly a slightly different lens than perhaps some other times," Nitschke said, speaking to reporters, as reported by Cricinfo.

The Aussies have been bolstered by contributions from everyone, with both bat and ball. The team have scored seven half-centuries among four batters, with all-rounder Georgia Wareham striking at over 180. Nitschke singled out Lucy Hamilton, who is playing her first T20 World Cup. The left-arm seamer has bowled 11 overs in the tournament and, despite going wicketless, has gone at an economy of 4.45. 

"She [Hamilton] has been super impressive. I think to come into that game against India and bowl [in the] powerplay, and we know the powerplay is a big stage of the game for them and they come pretty hard, but to be able to have the composure and bowl like she did was excellent. And then again in the semi, she's got a pretty level head. I know she hasn't taken the wickets she would have liked and deserved, but she's created a couple of opportunities though, which has been really important and excellent for her," Nitschke said.

Australia are playing their first ICC Final since the 2023 T20 World Cup, and Nitschke emphasised managing the environment for players like Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll, who, among others, are playing their first ICC final. The Australians are the record-winners of the competition, lifting the prestigious title six times.

"I think it's just about instilling that confidence in them that, you know, at the end of the day we've got to play one more game of cricket and that we've all been playing really well. So making it as normal as we can but making sure they also do, I guess, enjoy the occasion. Not getting too overawed by that, too, I think is important. But I like to think that if we can keep all our processes pretty consistent then it ensures that it is just another game, but sure it's a big one. You can't hide from that but just embrace it, enjoy it and back themselves," Nitschke said.

Australia await the winners of the second semi-final between England and South Africa, whom they will face in the final at Lord's on July 5.