Birmingham Phoenix’s Ellyse Perry opts out of The Hundred

Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry has pulled out of the inaugural edition of The Hundred, scheduled to get underway on Wednesday, July 21. The 30-year-old Perry, who was due to play for the Birmingham Phoenix, opted out, citing personal reasons. Her national teammates, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, and Rachael Haynes have withdrawn from the tournament as well.

Earlier, New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine pulled out of the T20 league. Along with Perry, she was a part of the Phoenix’s squad as well. India’s Shafali Verma, who’s currently playing in the T20I series against England, replaced Devine in the Birmingham team.

As per a release by England and Wales Cricket (ECB), Devine pulled out, showing the need to “be in the best position to prepare for international cricket, particularly with the ICC Women’s World Cup due to be held in her native New Zealand in February.”

Ellyse Perry’s replacement yet to be announced

As far as the New South Wales-born Perry is concerned, Beth Barrett-Wild, head of the women’s competition, sounded disappointed by her exit. Her replacement is yet to be named.

“We are obviously very disappointed that Ellyse Perry has had to withdraw from the Hundred due to personal circumstances, but we completely understand her decision and wish her all the best,” Beth Barrett-Wild was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

The tournament has also lost quite a few players in the men’s edition. Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Kagiso Rabada, and Kane Williamson are some of the big names, who have withdrawn from the tournament.

The Phoenix have a strong squad despite missing out on Devine and Perry, two of the world’s most renowned all-rounders. Kirsty Gordon, Georgia Elwiss, and Amy Jones have already represented the England women’s team in limited-overs cricket.

The squad also consists of Emily Arlott, who recently earned her maiden national call-up for the India series. She is currently playing for the Central Sparks in the Charlotte Edwards Cup where she has scored 29 runs and picked up one wicket.

Birmingham Phoenix squad

Emily Arlott, Thea Brookes, Erin Burns, Gwen Davies, Georgia Elwiss, Ria Fackrell, Phoebe Franklin, Kirstie Gordon, Amy Jones, Evelyn Jones, Marie Kelly, Abtaha Maqsood, Shafali Verma, Isabelle Wong