The lights have never been brighter on Australian cricketer Ellyse Perry, who says she is relishing the extra batting responsibility in the biggest series of her career.
Perry's bowling has been her primary threat in a decade-long international career and she will likely take the new ball in Thursday's second one-day international of the women's Ashes series in at Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast.
But on the back of a consistent run of form with the bat, the 26-year-old has also assumed injured captain Meg Lanning's post at first drop.
Perry has batted anywhere between 10 and three in her 92 one-day internationals, her untapped potential with the bat symbolised by the fact she has never made a century despite averaging 50 in the format.
"Absolutely, I'd love to stay there; batting at three means I can dictate the momentum and it's a good challenge for me to score a bit quicker," she told AAP.
"It just means potentially more time at the crease ... my role is to just keep things going once we get a good start."
It is a heavy load to bear, particularly given Perry rates the multi-format Ashes as the most prominent she has been a part of.
"There's been a gradual development in women's sport over the years, but it's really paid off 10-fold more recently," she said.
"And this year, with the build-up and attention the series has had, it's definitely the biggest series I have played at home.
"It means we are held to account and there was certainly more nerves and anticipation before Brisbane."
Perry took 2-50 and was looking good with the bat before being stumped off the first ball after drinks for 20 in the opening game.
Australia found a way to the 229-run target, though, thanks to player of the match Alex Blackwell (67 not out) and 20-year-old spinners Ash Gardner and Amanda Wellington.
Gardner's quickfire 27 and 3-47 helped Australia home, while Wellington drew comparisons to Shane Warne such was the flight, turn and control she produced at Allan Border Field.
Australia play two ODIs at Coffs Harbour International Stadium on Thursday and Sunday, before a day-night Test at North Sydney Oval from November 9 and a further three Twenty20 internationals.
Australia hold a 2-0 lead, with two points awarded for a short-format victory, four points for a Test win and two points for a Test draw.
