Australian cricket legend Ellyse Perry was officially retained by Birmingham Phoenix for 2026 Women’s Hundred, marking her fifth consecutive year with Birmingham Phoenix. The team revealed its retained players yesterday as the teams finalized the players before the start of the auction-based season.
Impact of Ellyse Perry at Birmingham Phoenix
Since moving to Birmingham Phoenix in 2022, Ellyse Perry has become an integral part of the side. In fact, the veteran all-rounder has aggregated 545 ran runs at a strike rate of 127.03, alongside making crucial efforts with the ball whenever her team requires her to.
It is because of her consistency, leadership, and match-winning skills that Perry is considered one of the most important performers in the Women’s Hundred.
Ellyse Perry on Coming Back to The Hundred
Meanwhile, expressing her joy for being back for the 2026 season, Ellyse Perry stated:
“I am thrilled to be back playing for The Hundred in 2026.”
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Commenting on The Hundred tournament, Ellyse added that The Hundred has brought women’s cricket to international levels across the world. The support shown by the Birmingham Phoenix fans in Edgbaston is also another factor that makes her proud to play for The Hundred
Birmingham Phoenix Coach Praises Ellyse Perry
“She is a once-in-a-generation talent,” was how Birmingham Phoenix Women’s Head Coach, Ali Maiden, opted to describe Ellyse Perry. “It’s not just what she does on the pitch that is important. Her impact is much, much greater than what the figures state.”
Birmingham Phoenix Women’s Head Coach Ali Maiden added “once-in-a-generation talent,”
Recent Highlights in Ellyse Perry’s Career
Currently still going strong at the age of 35, Ellyse Perry recently withdrew from participating in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 due to personal reasons, along with another Aussie, Annabel Sutherland. Ellyse Perry had previously played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She is the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the WPL and played an integral part in helping the team win the 2024 WPL.
Great Performances Around the World
Ellyse Perry has an unprecedented number of 347 international appearances under her belt. The fourth highest scorer in the Women’s Big Bash League, including a century in a mere 71 deliveries for Sydney Sixers, she is currently playing for Wellington in the Women’s Super Smash in New Zealand, establishing her credentials across various international circuits.
Birmingham Phoenix’s Journey in the Women’s Hundred
Birmingham Phoenix finished near the bottom of the table in the last two editions of the Women’s Hundred. Strongest campaign 2021 – reached the Eliminator With Ellyse Perry retained, the franchise will look to rebuild as they go into the 2026 season and challenge for the title.
Women’s Hundred 2026: Main Dates and New Era
The Women’s Hundred 2026 will be the first under private investment, with player retentions due by January 16 and the inaugural auctions scheduled for March. The tournament will take place from July 21 to August 16, after the Women’s T20 World Cup and the historic first Women’s Test at Lord’s between England and India.
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