A guide to Birmingham Phoenix's 2023 Women's Squad
Amy Jones – England’s first choice wicket-keeper Amy Jones is a wizard behind the stumps. Across the most recent women’s Ashes, she took catches and successfully completed stumpings which went viral, demonstrating her lightning speed with the gloves.
Ellyse Perry (overseas) – Australian all-rounder, Ellyse Perry, has had an illustrious career and continues at the Phoenix after a successful first season. Perry’s performed more with the bat than the ball in recent years but brings a winning mentality and plenty of achievements.
Issy Wong – Pace bowler, Issy Wong, has had a bit of a tough start to the summer, losing form and not featuring for England during the Ashes. However, Wong loves the big occasions and thrives under pressure. With a winning medal from the inaugural Women’s premier League earlier in the year, Wong will want to add another franchise medal to her collection.
Emily Arlott – Emily Arlott has a great start to the season but suffered an injury, ruling herself out of a few rounds of regional cricket. Arlott was Phoenix’s leading wicket taker last summer and remained economical throughout.
Sophie Devine (overseas) – Kiwi legend Sophie Devine returns to light up Birmingham after leading the side last season. Devine continues to be one of the world’s best cricketers and thrived at Edgbaston both in the Hundred and the Commonwealth Games where she picked up bronze.
Hannah Baker – Young leg spinner Hannah Baker makes the move from Welsh Fire to her home team Birmingham Phoenix for the third edition. Although she’s still a teenager, Baker’s been on the circuit for a few years, really making a name for herself in the U19 Women’s World Cup where she took 3/10 to beat Australia in the semi-final.
Katie Levick – Katie Levick has become a bit of an icon of the regional game having played all her cricket up in Yorkshire. The leggie will become a Brummie for a few weeks, signing for Phoenix from the Superchargers. As a big wicket-taking threat, Levick is a name anyone would want on their team sheet.
Eve Jones – Edgbaston is familiar territory for Eve Jones, having captained her regional side Central Sparks on a number of occasions there. Jones can anchor an innings well and has excellent leadership skills.
Abtaha Maqsood – If the Phoenix didn’t have enough leg spinners already, they’ve also re-signed Scottish international Abtaha Maqsood. Maqsood has been a part of the Nix for all previous editions and has been a crowd favourite.
Erin Burns (overseas) – Aussie veteran Erin Burns has spent the past few months in the Midlands, playing with Central Sparks. Burns has thrived at Sparks, contributing hugely with bat and ball. With a similar side to the regional team, Burns will fit in well and should impress at Phoenix.
Chloe Brewer – Chloe Brewer is yet to make her Hundred debut. As part of the London Spirit squad last year, Brewer got to experience the tournament but will be keen to have time on the field. As a top or middle order batter, Brewer’s role can vary but there’s plenty of competition for places.
Sterre Kalis – Similarly to Brewer, Kalis did not play a match last year but was part of Phoenix’s squad. Kalis is a strong opening batter but again, is versatile. The Dutch international has plenty of experience from her time with the national team and her domestic side, Northern Diamonds.
Davina Perrin – If you haven’t heard of Davina Perrin, you must be living under a rock! Perrin is a very exciting prospect having played for Central Sparks since she was 15! Phoenix signed the young all-rounder last summer, but she didn’t make an appearance. Davina moves around the order for Sparks and can bowl both seam and leg-spin – impressive!
Abbey Freeborn – Abbey Freeborn has had two good seasons with the Trent Rockets but has swapped the East Midlands for the West Midlands, joining the Phoenix. It’s unlikely that Freeborn will get to demonstrate her keeping skills with Amy Jones in the side but her ability to build an innings will be displayed.
Charis Pavely – Another youngster in the Birmingham side is 18-year-old Charis Pavely. Featuring for England U19 at the Women’s World Cup in South Africa, Pavely showed her all-round ability to the world. She’s since made her Central Sparks debut and has become an important part of the batting line up.
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