Ellyse Perry: Australia's sporting sweetheart aims to inspire women

    By James Masters

    Updated 1939 GMT (0339 HKT) September 1, 2015

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    Ellyse Perry is one of Australia's most famous sportswomen, making her debut for the national cricket and soccer teams at the age of 16.
    Photos: Bat and ball: Australia's sporting sweetheart
    Ellyse Perry is one of Australia's most famous sportswomen, making her debut for the national cricket and soccer teams at the age of 16.
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    Perry started playing both football and cricket as a six-year-old, alongside her older brother. Coached by her father in cricket, she impressed competing against local boys.
    Photos: Bat and ball: Australia's sporting sweetheart
    Perry started playing both football and cricket as a six-year-old, alongside her older brother. Coached by her father in cricket, she impressed competing against local boys.
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    Perry, who bowls and bats, was a key member of the one-day team which won the 2013 World Cup in Bangladesh.
    Photos: Bat and ball: Australia's sporting sweetheart
    Perry, who bowls and bats, was a key member of the one-day team which won the 2013 World Cup in Bangladesh.
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    The 24-year-old has a range of sponsorships and endorsements which keeps her in the spotlight.
    Photos: Bat and ball: Australia's sporting sweetheart
    The 24-year-old has a range of sponsorships and endorsements which keeps her in the spotlight.
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    In August 2014, Perry announced her engagement with Australia rugby international Matt Toomua.
    Photos: Bat and ball: Australia's sporting sweetheart
    In August 2014, Perry announced her engagement with Australia rugby international Matt Toomua.
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    Perry met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge upon their visit to Australia during the men's Cricket World Cup. Perry, along with former fast-bowler Glenn McGrath, spent time with the British royal couple in Sydney.
    Photos: Bat and ball: Australia's sporting sweetheart
    Perry met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge upon their visit to Australia during the men's Cricket World Cup. Perry, along with former fast-bowler Glenn McGrath, spent time with the British royal couple in Sydney.
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    Perry starred for the Matildas -- Australia's national soccer team -- at the 2011 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals.
    Photos: Bat and ball: Australia's sporting sweetheart
    Perry starred for the Matildas -- Australia's national soccer team -- at the 2011 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals.
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    She scored a stunning goal against Sweden, but Australia lost 3-1 to miss out on a semifinal place.
    Photos: Bat and ball: Australia's sporting sweetheart
    She scored a stunning goal against Sweden, but Australia lost 3-1 to miss out on a semifinal place.
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