Ellyse Perry, one of the most iconic figures in women’s cricket, is officially heading back to where it all began. After six years with Victoria, the 34-year-old allrounder is set to don the sky blue of New South Wales for the 2025/26 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), marking a homecoming that has stirred excitement across the domestic circuit.
Perry’s move was confirmed by Cricket Victoria, who acknowledged that the national contracted player had informed them of her decision to return to Sydney. Her tenure in Melbourne began in 2018, originally motivated by personal circumstances, and although limited by national duties, she left a lasting legacy both on and off the field during her time with the Victoria.
The veteran star amassed 1052 runs across 20 WNCL appearances for Victoria at a staggering average of 75.14, registering five centuries. Her bowling returns included 13 wickets, often at crucial moments. One of her most memorable knocks came against NSW in January 2023 when she hammered 147 off 125 balls, and her final outing in Victorian colours saw her crush the ACT with 145 off 137 deliveries in early 2024.
Perry did not feature at all during the most recent WNCL season due to overlapping commitments with the Australian national team and the Women’s Premier League in India. Despite limited appearances, her influence on Victoria’s younger players and her role in developing emerging talent was widely praised.
Reflecting on her time in Melbourne, Perry paid tribute to the experiences and opportunities she received during her stay there. Introducing her heartfelt remarks, she shared her gratitude toward Cricket Victoria and the friendships built during her time.
“The last six years I’ve spent in Melbourne and at Cricket Victoria have been extremely fond ones and I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and memories that I’ll cherish,” she said.
As she prepares to return to Sydney, Perry expressed her excitement about reuniting with family and re-immersing herself in the NSW program, where she previously forged a decade-long legacy.
“I’m really looking forward to being back in Sydney and closer to my family and longtime friends. It’s been lovely to stay in touch with CNSW through the Sixers and I feel very fortunate to be walking back into a world-class program led by Leah Poulton and her staff.”
During her original stint with the Breakers, Perry was a pillar of an era that delivered 10 WNCL titles across 11 seasons. She remains NSW’s third-highest wicket-taker and is among the top ten all-time run-scorers for the state, boasting more than 2,700 runs and over 120 wickets across her decorated WNCL career.
Perry’s move comes as she continues to build upon one of the most prolific international careers in cricket history. In the longest format, she has scored 928 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 61.86, including a career-best unbeaten 213 and 39 wickets at 21.82, highlighted by a best of 6/32.
Her ODI numbers are equally striking — 4,187 runs from 155 matches at 48.68, alongside 166 wickets at 25.37 with a stunning best of 7/22. In T20Is, Perry has notched up 2,109 runs and 126 wickets from 165 games, averaging just 18.92 with the ball and peaking at 4/12. She has also taken over 100 career catches, underscoring her all-round brilliance and value in the field.
NSW’s head of female elite cricket, Leah Poulton, welcomed Perry’s return with admiration, citing the allrounder’s impact as both a cricketer and a leader.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ellyse back home to the Breakers. She’s not only one of the world’s premier cricketers, but also a role model and leader whose impact extends far beyond the field. Pez’ professionalism, experience, and approach to the game make her an incredible asset to any team, and we’re excited to have her back in our program.”
The timing of Perry’s comeback is ideal for a Breakers squad coming off a triumphant 2024/25 campaign, having secured their 21st Ruth Preddey Cup after a dominant win over Queensland. Although her availability will again be curtailed by international obligations — with Australia set to tour India in September for an ODI series followed by the 50-over World Cup in October — fans can expect to see Perry in action for NSW in the latter half of the domestic season, likely around January.
Before returning to domestic cricket, Perry will keep busy overseas. She has signed on to represent Hampshire in England’s domestic season this July and will rejoin Birmingham Phoenix for her third stint in The Hundred come August. These commitments will provide vital match time before Australia’s international calendar kicks off.
Acknowledging Perry’s departure, Cricket Victoria’s general manager of cricket performance, Graham Manou, extended his thanks and appreciation for her service and influence.
“I’d like to thank Ellyse and wish her well on her return to Sydney. Ellyse has been a source of inspiration and support for the next generation of Victorian cricketers,” he said.
Perry joins a small but notable group of high-profile domestic players switching states this off-season. Fellow internationals Heather Graham and Molly Strano have also returned home — to Western Australia and Victoria respectively — continuing the reshuffle of key talents across the WNCL landscape.
The return of Ellyse Perry to NSW is more than a player movement; it’s a symbolic reunion between one of cricket’s most admired figures and the team that helped shape her greatness. As the Breakers gear up for another championship pursuit, the inclusion of a player with six T20 World Cup titles, two ODI World Cups, five Ashes wins, and a Commonwealth Games gold will only fuel their ambition to extend their dynasty.
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