With the CommBank Women’s Ashes against England being played from 12 January to 2 February 2025, Ellyse Perry, Ash Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield (pictured above, clockwise from top left) are juggling training with the excitement of summer. We caught up with the trio to find out how they’ll be soaking up the festive season – whether it’s hitting the beach, seeing family or sneaking in some much-needed relaxation – while keeping their eyes firmly on the Ashes prize.
Phoebe Litchfield plays as a left-handed batter, occasional right-arm leg break bowler and doesn’t mind a day at the beach
Your ultimate summer track? Something from my childhood summers like Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves. Something feel-good.
Your perfect summer day? When we have a day off, I’ll usually go to the beach early – maybe even watch the sunrise, depending on how motivated I’m feeling – followed by a good breakfast with friends.
In downtime, will we find you reading or streaming? Probably bingeing a show. I recently re-watched Ted Lasso with a friend. It’s so good!
And when you really want to unwind after the season? I usually go straight home to Orange. Now that I live in Sydney, I really miss the farm. We don’t have any neighbours and being able to go somewhere with all that space... there’s nothing like it.
When it comes to buying presents, what’s your approach? I’m pretty poor at it but my best presents have always been the most meaningful so I’ll do photo books or calendars. We got my grandma a digital photo frame for her birthday that we can update – she loved it.
How do you take care of yourself? Whenever I need some self-care, I put the headphones on and go for a walk. I don’t always feel like going out but once I finish, I’m so glad I made the time.
Any summer budgeting tips? Now that I live by myself, I do need to budget more. What I need to do is eat in more. It’s easy to overspend when you’re out with friends in summer.
Summer of cricket
Don’t miss supporting our cricketers by tuning in – or getting tickets – to the CommBank Women’s Ashes this summer. The all-conquering Australian team will be tested by historic rival England in January and February 2025. Visit cricket.com.au/tickets to buy tickets.
Cricket legend and all-rounder Ellyse Perry loves eating fruit salad in summer and reading
Dream summer day? I just love being outdoors until the sun goes down, whether that’s exercising or hanging out with family and friends at the beach.
Song of the summer? I mostly listen to sad indie songs. At the moment, I have a song called Blue Eyes by Jordy Maxwell on repeat – it’s a tune I always associate with summer.
At Christmas, are you a decent gift giver? I like finding gifts for people – it’s all about finding the gift you know will be 100 per cent great for that person. Years ago, I gave my parents a good coffee machine – they still love it.
In downtime, will we find you reading or streaming? I’m a reader. I just finished The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. It’s changed the way I use my phone.
How do you keep your spending in check over summer? For me, summer always feels like a cheaper time because everything is so much more minimal, whether it’s clothing or simple food. And you can spend your time outdoors or at the beach, which doesn’t cost much at all.
What’s your top self-care ritual? Natural sunlight is at the top of my list. Also fresh, healthy food, like fruit, and lots of sleep.
And at the end of the season, how do you relax? Coming back home is always such a lovely feeling.
