Mason spoils schoolgirl's debut

Perry's excitement was understandable after her first wicket

Ellyse Perry made history when she became the youngest cricketer to play for Australia in Sunday's Rose Bowl game against New Zealand in Darwin.

All-rounder Perry, aged 16 years and 261 days, underlined her promise by taking 2-37 and scoring 19 runs.

But it was all in a losing cause as New Zealand won the game by 35 runs to level the five match series at 1-1.

Aimee Mason was the star for the White Ferns, hitting 102 off 128 balls and then claiming 3-15 with her off-spin.

Her first international century, which included a six and 13 fours, enabled her side to reach 209 all out from their 50 overs.

And although Shelly Nitschke (24), Lisa Sthalekar (24) and Karen Rolton (27) made starts for Australia, none of them was able to go on to play the major innings and wickets fell as the pressure increased.

Mason acknowledges her team-mates after reaching three figures

Perry came out to bat at number nine and was last out, bowled by Sarah Burke, as the home side were dismissed for 174 in the 46th over.

"It was very exciting and great fun," Perry said afterwards.

"It was good to get my first wicket because it gave me more confidence with my bowling and helped me to get through it.

Coach Lisa Keightley added: "The selectors recognised Ellyse as a talent and she¿s showing everyone that here.

"She did all we could ask of her and had a really good game in her first international at 16. We couldn¿t ask for much more from a player of that age."