• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 05/22/2024
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Star Australian cricketer Ellyse Perry is set to lead Birmingham Phoenix in the upcoming edition of The Women’s Hundred. The 33-year-old all-rounder’s return to Edgbaston is a massive boost for the franchise, especially after she missed the entire 2023 edition of the tournament due to an injury. Perry’s inclusion promises to inject both leadership and performance into a team eager for a turnaround.

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Perry’s 16-year international career is a testament to her skill and determination. With 330 wickets for Australia across formats, she is one of the most accomplished and high-profile players in the sport. Her ability to perform at the highest level has been proven time and again, making her a prized asset for any team.

For Birmingham, securing Perry’s services is a significant coup, particularly given her recent heroics in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 season. Perry, who played for the champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W), was the tournament’s leading run-scorer. She amassed 347 runs at an impressive average of 69.40 and also contributed with seven crucial wickets. Her performance was instrumental in RCB-W’s victorious campaign, highlighting her ability to influence bat and ball matches.

Perry’s leadership experience is equally impressive. Having captained the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), she became the first player to lead 100 WBBL matches. Her strategic acumen and ability to inspire teammates will be invaluable for Birmingham Phoenix. “I’m incredibly honoured to be named Birmingham Phoenix captain. It is a wonderful club which means a lot to me. It was disappointing to miss out on joining the group last season, so I’m excited to be back this year. I’m looking forward to joining the whole playing squad, both our existing and new players, to work towards a successful season for the Phoenix,” Perry said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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Last season, Birmingham Phoenix had a dismal campaign, failing to win a single match and finishing bottom of the table after losing seven out of eight games. With Perry at the helm and the retention of fellow overseas star Sophie Devine, the franchise is eyeing a dramatic turnaround. Perry’s leadership and match-winning abilities could propel Birmingham Phoenix to new heights. Her presence alone is a statement of intent from the club, aiming to change their fortunes in the upcoming edition.

Perry was unmatched at the top of the run-scoring charts in the WPL 2024. She guided RCB-W in crucial chases and played a pivotal role in the finals, where her unbeaten 35 runs sealed the victory. Additionally, her fantastic half-century in the eliminator against the Mumbai Indians underscored her status as the team’s most important player during critical moments.

Ellyse Perry’s addition to Birmingham Phoenix is more than just a player signing; it’s a strategic move to revitalise the team’s performance and leadership. Her recent stellar performance in the IPL 2024 reminds her of her exceptional talent and the significant impact she can have on the upcoming season of The Women’s Hundred.