Birmingham Phoenix, who have yet to win The Women’s Hundred, made significant changes to their squad in the inaugural auction on March 11, 2026. They combined retained players with smart acquisitions to pursue glory in the sixth edition from July 21 to August 16.
With Ellyse Perry back as captain, the team enters the competition with a balanced attack led by the auction’s biggest investment, local left-arm spinner Linsey Smith for £100,000. They also filled their overseas slots with Australian leg-spinner Alana King for £37,500 and South African all-rounder Annerie Dercksen for £15,000, both at bargain prices.
The retained strength of Alice Capsey, Lauren Filer, Lucy Hamilton, and Perry sets the tone for a season that begins on July 24 against Trent Rockets at Edgbaston (7:30 PM IST). They are looking for redemption after last season’s seventh-place finish, where they earned only 8 points from 8 games (2 wins, 6 losses).
Phoenix made a significant move for England’s Linsey Smith at £100,000, showing their aim to control the middle overs with her clever left-arm spin. However, the real value pickups came from their overseas players. Alana King, transitioning from the Trent Rockets, has a solid track record in The Hundred with 28 wickets in 30 innings, an average of 23.46, and an economy rate of 7.05. She offers a dual threat, complementing her 128 runs in 24 innings at a strike rate of 95.52. Her performance could solve Phoenix’s bowling issues from last season.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old South African Annerie Dercksen is a great find at a base price of £15,000 and will make her Women’s Hundred debut. This emerging all-rounder brings youthful energy, enhancing Perry’s leadership and the core team’s experience. By filling their overseas slots wisely, Phoenix avoided overspending, allowing extra budget for local players.
Investments in Capsey (£130K), Perry, and Smith create a strong base of experience. Filer’s pace and Beaumont’s opening skills add stability. Tammy Beaumont has an impressive record in the tournament with 825 runs at a strike rate of 121.86 and an average of 25 in 36 innings, including a couple of half-centuries and a century in 36 matches with the bat for her side in the tournament so far.
The rising star, Davina Perrin, was impressive in the previous edition, representing the Northern Superchargers, which is now rebranded as the Sunrisers Leeds, courtesy of IPL franchise investments. She scored 293 runs at a strike rate of 129.07 and an average of 22.53 in 14 innings, including a half-century and a century in 14 matches with the bat for her former side.
The upcoming stars Jemima Spence and Eva Gray are the ones to watch out for.
Birmingham Phoenix Women Squad for The Hundred 2026 (So Far):
Annerie Dercksen, Alice Capsey, Ellyse Perry, Linsey Smith, Lauren Filer, Tammy Beaumont, Davina Perrin, Alana King, Jemima Spencer, Lucy Hamilton, Eva Gray, Cordelia Griffith, Emma Lamb, Phoebe Brett, Esmae MacGregor
Last season’s lacklustre showing exposed weaknesses, but this revamped team under Perry’s leadership seems ready to excel. Their opening match on July 24 against the Rockets at Edgbaston, which is Match 4 of the tournament, is more than just the start of the season; it’s a statement. King faces her former team, Smith aims for early wickets, and Dercksen enters amid the excitement of The Hundred. The Phoenix fans, eager for success, sense a change is coming.
With depth, spin variety, and all-around capabilities, Birmingham Phoenix are not just participating; they are fiercely pursuing the title they have sought since the beginning of the competition.
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