Ellyse Perry, star Australian all-rounder has announced separation from her husband of five years rugby union star Matt Toomua and decided to end their marriage.

Ellyse Perry and Matt Toomua got married in 2015 after which the cricketer shifted base to Melbourne. They had met at Sydney Airport in 2012 and made their first public appearance as a couple at rugby's 2013 John Eales Medal awards. The couple announced their engagement less than a year later.

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"It's with the greatest of respect for one another that we decided to separate earlier this year. We felt this was the right course of action and is in the best interests of each other and our current lives. This is something that has evolved and is a mutual decision. Throughout our relationship, we have remained private and we ask that our space and privacy continue to be respected during this difficult time for both of us," the pair said in a joint statement on Saturday.

Perry is currently recuperating from a hamstring injury she suffered in March this year, during Australia's final group match against New Zealand in the Women's T20 World Cup which they won after beating India in the final. The two-time ICC women's cricketer of the year underwent surgery later that month.

She is a high profile sports star in Australia, having played in both Cricket and Football World Cups for her country.

Meanwhile, Toomua plays for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby, which was suspended in March after round seven because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(IndiaToday inputs)