Sydney Sixers superstar Ellyse Perry has reaffirmed her commitment to the club by signing a three-year extension that will keep her in magenta until at least WBBL|13, taking her storied journey with the team through to 2027.
A foundational figure of the Sixers since their inception in 2015, Perry has been instrumental in shaping the club’s identity both on and off the field. With 4,689 runs at an extraordinary average of 48.84, including two centuries and 33 fifties, and 70 wickets to her name, she stands as the second-highest run-scorer in WBBL history, behind only Beth Mooney.
Sixers’ significant move in re-signing her is another key step for the club as they seek success in a new era under former Australia coach Matthew Mott. Mott has replaced Charlotte Edwards, following her appointment as England women’s head coach.
Beyond the numbers, Perry’s influence as a leader, mentor, and role model has cemented her as one of the league’s most iconic players. She captained the club since the inaugural season and led her side to two title triumphs in WBBL 02 and 03.
Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes expressed, “Ellyse has been a key part of the Sixers since the inception of the competition and has played an incredibly important role in shaping the identity of our club over the last decade. Her performances on-field speak for themselves, but it’s her professionalism, humility and experience that make her such a valuable asset, not only for our club but for the league as a whole.”
Ellyse Perry has just not been an exceptional cricketer but also a remarkable role model for young players and one of the finest ambassadors of the sport. The Sixers have now confirmed nine contracted players ahead of this week’s Big Bash draft, where they will have the coveted No.1 pick.
Last season, the Hobart Hurricanes attempted to snap up Sophie Ecclestone with the coveted No.1 draft pick, but the Sydney Sixers swiftly used their retention rights to keep the English spin ace in their ranks. With the star English spinner once again available for the entire WBBL 11 season, and given her proven impact, there seems little reason for Sydney to look elsewhere in this year’s draft.
Ecclestone’s haul of 11 wickets in just seven matches last season was vital, as she led a spin-heavy attack that also featured Ashleigh Gardner and New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr. Kerr, who was secured via pick No.10 in last year’s second draft round, remains locked in for another two seasons under her pre-signing contract.
Although the Sixers reached the first four WBBL finals and have regularly fielded one of the most formidable squads on paper, they’ve managed to break into the top four only once in the past six seasons and the Mott era, with the signing of Perry, sets the squad club for more success.
Sydney Sixers WBBL|11 list (so far):
Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Elsa Hunter, Amelia Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Courtney Sippel
Off contract: Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Isabella Malgioglio, Kate Pelle, Kate Peterson
