Ellyse Perry of the Sixers. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
In a major development, talismanic Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry signed on the dotted lines to stay with the Sydney Sixers for two more seasons in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Perry was the first player to sign for the Sixers back in 2015 and has been an influential figure in the competition with her consistent performances.
Known for being a solid batter, Perry changed her game in the shortest format over the past 12 months and has become one of the most aggressive players in Australian cricket. In 11 T20Is since returning to the middle order, the experienced campaigner has scored 374 runs at an impressive strike rate of 157.14 and a staggering average of 53.42. She also has four fifties to her name in this period. The 32-year-old expressed her excitement after re-signing with the Sixers.
“It’s a lovely feeling to be able to continue at the Sixers for another two WBBL seasons. The club has been a special part of my career for almost a decade, and I am proud of what we have achieved, both on and off the field, especially in terms of connecting with and inspiring lots of girls and boys to be involved in the game. I’m really looking forward to the challenge this season presents and seeing as many fans as we can at North Sydney Oval and the SCG,” Perry told Cricket.com.au.
“To be able to play at the SCG on November 26 (against the Thunder) in a stand-alone WBBL match for the first time is a significant step forward and a reflection of the ever-growing appetite for large numbers of fans to be able to watch women’s sport at our world class sporting venues. I think both the Sixers and Thunder can be truly ambitious about attracting a great crowd for the Sydney Smash.”
Ellyse Perry’s impressive WBBL numbers
The Sixers will be elated with the re-signing of Perry as she has been the highest run-scorer for the team with 3769 runs at an average of 48.94 and helped them win the title on a couple of occasions as well. On the overall list of run-scorers in WBBL, Perry comes in at number two behind fellow Australian Beth Mooney.
Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Lauren Cheatle, Ash Gardner, and Emma Hughes are the other players in the Ellyse Perry-led side at the moment, and more will join in the weeks to come.