Australian superstar Ellyse Perry has been officially retained by the Birmingham Phoenix for the 2026 edition of The Hundred. The franchise confirmed the news on Wednesday, January 7, securing the world-class all-rounder for her fifth consecutive season at Edgbaston. Perry has been a cornerstone for the Phoenix since 2022, amassing over 500 runs and providing a vital veteran presence that the team hopes will propel them toward a title charge this summer.
Birmingham Phoenix retain Ellyse Perry ahead of The Hundred 2026
The announcement comes amidst some surprise in the cricketing world, as Perry recently opted out of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL). Despite being a marquee player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their leading run-scorer in the tournament's history, she withdrew from the upcoming season citing "personal reasons." Her absence, along with that of fellow Australian Annabel Sutherland, has forced franchises to shuffle their rosters just weeks before the WPL season opener.
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Interestingly, while stepping away from the high-intensity WPL, Perry has maintained her match fitness by appearing in New Zealand’s domestic circuit. She has been representing the Wellington Blaze in the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26, where she recently featured in a clash against the Central Hinds on January 7. Her move to play in the shorter, geographically closer New Zealand league while skipping the WPL has sparked much discussion, but for now, her focus remains on the Blaze before she heads to England for The Hundred later this year.
Ellyse Perry has officially committed to another season with the Birmingham Phoenix, securing her spot for the 2026 edition of The Hundred. The announcement, made on January 7, confirms her retention for the fifth consecutive year. Expressing her excitement about the return, the 35-year-old Australian icon noted her delight in heading back to Edgbaston, citing the passionate fanbase and the tournament's significant role in advancing the women’s game as key reasons for her return.
“I'm delighted to be returning to Birmingham Phoenix,” Perry said in a statement.
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Ellyse Perry's track record for Birmingham Phoenix
Perry’s track record with the Phoenix is nothing short of impressive. Since joining the franchise in 2022, she has featured in 22 matches, establishing herself as a cornerstone of their middle order. Throughout her tenure up to the 2025 season, she has amassed 545 runs at an average of 30.27 and a strike rate of 127.03. Her contributions haven't been limited to her batting; she has also proven her value as an all-rounder by claiming 10 wickets with her right-arm pace.
While she prepares for the English summer, Perry’s legacy in the Women's Premier League (WPL) remains unmatched. A true icon for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), she has piled up a staggering 972 runs across three editions, maintaining an exceptional average of 64.80. Her influence was most evident during RCB’s historic 2024 title win, where she spearheaded the campaign with 347 runs in nine innings and took eight crucial wickets. Although fans will miss her in the upcoming WPL 2026 season due to her recent withdrawal, her return to The Hundred ensures that global audiences will still see her in top-tier action this year.