Ellyse Perry, Australia’s star all-rounder, has joined Hampshire Hawks ahead of the inaugural Women’s Tier One T20 Blast competition. The 34-year-old has been confirmed as an overseas signing for the Hawks, where she will feature in 6 T20 Blast fixtures and two One-Day Cup matches.
Perry expressed her disappointment at missing the chance to work under Charlotte Edwards, who was initially appointed as Hampshire’s head coach for the 2025 season. However, Edwards recently stepped down to take charge of the England women’s national team, with Paul Prichard named as interim head coach of Hampshire following her departure.
Perry and Edwards share a well-established professional rapport, having previously worked together during the 2022–23 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season with the Sydney Sixers – a campaign in which their side came close to clinching the title. “Without a doubt (there’s a sense of disappointment), Edwards has had a huge influence on my career in the last couple of months, in particular since she started coaching at the Sydney Sixers,” Perry said.
Earlier, following Edwards’ England appointment, Perry had also taken to social media to express her admiration, sharing a heartfelt message that highlighted the influence Edwards had on her career.
Perry also reflected on her earlier experiences playing against Edwards during her time with the England team, describing her as a remarkable presence in the women’s game. She shared that any opportunity to work alongside Edwards is one she would readily embrace. However, she added that she sees the England coaching role as a fantastic move for both Edwards and the national side.
Charlotte Edwards was appointed head coach of the England women’s team following the dismissal of Jon Lewis, who was sacked after England’s 16-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia. Edwards, who captained England to both the 2009 50-over and T20 World Cup titles, also led the side to three Ashes series victories during a stellar international career between 2006 and 2016.
Reflecting on the transition, Ellyse Perry acknowledged the strength and potential within the England setup, despite their recent struggles. “If you look at the class of that English team and the players they have, their best 11 is a formidable side… I’ve got absolutely no doubt that they’ll be a very different team,” she said. Perry expressed confidence that England will bounce back strongly under Edwards, both in the upcoming home summer and the 2025 World Cup in India.
“They’re a group of champions, and you’re always allowed to have some tough periods and challenges where you’re a bit off,” the 34-year-old added. She also shared her excitement about seeing how Edwards, with her leadership credentials and understanding of the game, guides the team back to form.
Looking ahead to her stint with Hampshire, Perry is eager to immerse herself in English domestic cricket, especially with the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup set to be hosted by England and Wales, and the 50-over World Cup scheduled for later this year in India.
“Conditions-wise, there are some differences in the pitches and the way the grounds play,” she said. However, she also highlighted the familiar rhythm between the English and Australian cricketing cultures, sharing her enthusiasm for playing in England. “I’ve had the chance to play in England quite a bit across my career, and I always love doing that,” Ellyse Perry added.
(Quotes sourced from Sky Sports)
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