Esteemed Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry is set to guide Birmingham Phoenix in the upcoming Women’s Hundred tournament. After missing last year’s campaign due to injury, Perry returns to Edgbaston to take up the captaincy role for the fourth edition of the competition, which is scheduled to commence on July 23rd.
In 2023, Phoenix’s plans to build a team around Perry were thwarted when she suffered a knee injury during an ODI series against Ireland, ruling her out of the tournament. Eve Jones stepped in as captain, but the team struggled, losing seven out of eight matches and finishing at the bottom of the table.
Perry’s return is not only a boost for Birmingham Phoenix but also for the Hundred itself. The 33-year-old boasts an impressive international career, with 314 caps for Australia. She was the leading run-scorer in the recent Women’s Premier League (WPL), amassing 347 runs at an average of 69.40. Additionally, Perry’s leadership experience with the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) makes her a valuable asset. In fact, she holds the distinction of being the first player to captain 100 WBBL matches.
Reflecting on her appointment, Perry expressed her excitement: “I’m incredibly honored to be named Birmingham Phoenix captain. It is a wonderful club that means a lot to me. Playing at Edgbaston in The Hundred has been a special experience. We get fantastic crowds, with excellent support, and it’s wonderful to see fans from diverse backgrounds wearing orange and cheering us on in the Eric Hollies Stand. I’m looking forward to joining the whole playing squad—both existing and new players—to work towards a successful season for the Phoenix.”
The Hundred, running until August 19th, serves as crucial preparation for several Australian stars ahead of the T20 World Cup in October. Players like Beth Mooney, Grace Harris, Ashleigh Gardner, and others will use the tournament to fine-tune their skills and gear up for the global event.
Supriya Karia