Birmingham Phoenix have made a significant move by keeping Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-round star, for the 2026 season of The Hundred.
At 35, Perry returns to Edgbaston with her explosive batting, clever bowling, and strong leadership, strengthening the women’s team’s chances for success. Since joining in 2022, she has already helped Phoenix become fan favorites, scoring over 500 runs at a strike rate above 120 while taking crucial wickets in this fast paced format.
Perry has shone in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with performances that have elevated her reputation as a big-match player. In 22 outings in The Hundred, she has amassed 545 runs, at an average of 30.27 and a strike rate of 127.03, and struck 10 wickets from 14 innings, with best of 3/21.
Ellyse Perry’s impressive career stats in batting, bowling, and fielding in international cricket display her consistent excellence. In women’s ODIs, she has played 165 matches, scoring 4,504 runs with an average of 48.43 and a strike rate of 78.48, which includes 3 centuries and 37 half centuries. With the ball, she has taken 166 wickets in 165 games at an average of 25.56 and an economy of 4.38.
In T20Is, Perry has played 168 matches, scoring 2,173 runs at an average of 31.04 and a striking 116.82 strike rate, along with 126 wickets at 18.92 average and 5.84 economy across 168 games. Her fielding record further cements her all round skills: 109 across formats. This solidifies her place among the legends of women’s cricket.
Perry’s influence in The Hundred goes beyond mere numbers. She has been Phoenix’s key player, turning tight matches into wins and boosting her teammates with her professionalism. “I’m delighted to be returning to Birmingham Phoenix for the 2026 season,” said Perry.
“The Hundred has been such a wonderful addition to the cricket landscape and provided so many wonderful opportunities for the further development of the women’s game. The Phoenix has one of the most passionate fan bases in the competition and it has been a true privilege to experience the home support at Edgbaston. We are all really looking forward to the opportunity of this upcoming edition of The Hundred.”
Head coach Ali Maiden expressed his joy, “Ellyse is a once-in-a-generation talent whose impact extends far beyond the numbers on the scorecard. She embodies professionalism, skill and competitive spirit, and we’re incredibly proud she’ll be part of our Phoenix Women squad again in 2026.
“Her presence elevates everyone around her, and we know she’ll be pivotal to our campaign. We are aiming to recruit an exciting, athletic and energetic squad, so having somebody like Ellyse who embodies those characteristics is priceless for the long-term success of the Birmingham Phoenix.”
Perry’s continued presence makes Phoenix true contenders, combining star quality with depth for an exciting 2026 season. A squad full of exciting, athletic young talent, and Ellyse as one of the most experienced players they all look up to perfectly embodies that energy. Having her is invaluable for the long-term success of Birmingham Phoenix.
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