Local star Amy Jones to skipper Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred

Perry, who expects to return to Birmingham Phoenix in 2022, is replaced by fellow Australian and leg-spinning all-rounder Katie Mack (27) who was part of the Adelaide Strikers team that won the Women’s Big Bash League in 2019/20.

Aged 28, Jones has made 111 appearances for England across all three formats having initially come through the Warwickshire player pathway and academy.

“I’ve been coming to Edgbaston for many years and whilst I’ve been fortunate to play here for the Bears and Central Sparks, playing in-front of a big crowd here in The Hundred promises to be something completely different.

“The Hundred is going to be fantastic for development of the women’s game and I can’t wait to get going alongside so many fantastic players.”

Jones started her cricketing journey at Walmley Cricket Club and attended John Wilmott School, both near to her home of Sutton Coldfield.

Craig Flindall, General Manager of Birmingham Phoenix, said: “Amy has been one of the leading players in the England side for several years, so whilst we’re disappointed to lose Ellyse at short notice, we’re delighted to have another star of the international game leading the Phoenix in 2021.

“Perhaps more importantly, with Amy taking on the captaincy alongside men’s skipper Moeen Ali, we now have two brummies leading us forward.

“Birmingham is an incredibly close and communal city and having two local role models leading our teams gives us a fantastic opportunity to inspire thousands of youngsters to get involved in the game and to get behind the Phoenix.”

Local star Amy Jones to skipper Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred - Image 2

Birmingham Phoenix launch their campaign in The Hundred at home to London Spirit on Friday 23 June, with the women’s team getting underway at 3pm and the men’s team at 6:30pm. On Sunday 1 August, the teams play Trent Rockets, followed by Oval Invincibles on Wednesday 4 August, and Welsh Fire on Monday 9 August.

Tickets start from just £12 for adults; £5 for under 16s, and under 6s go free. For more information and to book tickets to Birmingham Phoenix’s four home fixtures, please visit thehundred.com.