Two of crickets biggest stars have been named as Birmingham Phoenix Captains for 2024.
International all-rounders Moeen Ali and Ellyse Perry will lead the Edgbaston-based side for the fourth edition of the competition which starts in July.
Mo, a born and bred Brummie who grew up a few miles from Edgbaston, will continue in his role having led the Phoenix for the past three years. Ellyse, meanwhile, takes the reins having missed last year’s competition through injury.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be named Birmingham Phoenix captain,” said Perry. “It is a wonderful club which means a lot to me. It was really disappointing to miss out on joining the group last season so I’m really excited to be back this year.”
“Playing at Edgbaston in The Hundred has been a special experience. We get fantastic crowds, with excellent support, and it is wonderful to see fans from so many varied demographics wearing orange and cheering us on in the Hollies Stand.
“I’m looking forward to joining the whole playing squad, both our existing and new players to work towards a really successful season for the Phoenix.”
Perry returns to the Second City with a wealth of leadership experience. The 33-year-old has led the Sydney Sixers for all nine WBBL seasons, becoming the first player to captain 100 WBBL games.
The talented right-hander is widely regarded to be one of the greatest woman cricketers of all time. The Sydney native was the first player to amass a combined 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20 internationals and she holds the record for the highest score by an Australian woman in Test matches with 213 not out.
In total, Perry has scored 6,764 runs in all formats internationally, taking 330 wickets.
Moeen Ali will return to the role hoping to secure silverware for the first time. Birmingham Phoenix reached the final in the inaugural campaign with Liam Livingstone finishing top of the run scoring charts and Ali fourth.
“We have an explosive batting line-up and we want to play an exciting brand of cricket,” said Ali. “The last few years I feel we haven’t reached our potential, but I know we’re close.
“We have an incredibly talented group and with a sold out Edgbaston cheering us on, we believe we can beat anybody.”
Birmingham Phoenix return to Edgbaston this summer
Birmingham Phoenix Men and Women return to Edgbaston on Saturday 3 August against Southern Brave for the first of four home games. Tickets are once again great value for all the family with prices set at £5 for juniors aged 3-15 (under 3s free).
