Phoenix select Mo and Ellyse to be Blast skippers

INTERNATIONAL superstar allrounders Moeen Ali and Ellyse Perry (pictured) will take centre stage this summer after being confirmed as Birmingham Phoenix captains for The Hundred.

Ali, born just a few miles away from Edgbaston, will lead his hometown team for a third time, having skippered Birmingham Phoenix in the inaugural final in 2021.

Perry meanwhile will captain for the first time in the tournament, replacing Sophie Devine, who will still play for Birmingham Phoenix. Perry has a wealth of experience, captaining Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash, whilst being a senior figure in the Australia Women’s national team.

Moeen said: “I’m incredibly proud to represent and captain Birmingham Phoenix. Edgbaston is my home ground and the support we’ve received over the first two years has been fantastic. I’m really excited to lead my hometown team once again and all our focus will be on securing the trophy.

Perry said: “To be asked to captain Birmingham Phoenix is a special honour, and I’m incredibly grateful to the club for the opportunity to be a part of the leadership of a special team.

“The support we have received, particularly playing in front of our home crowd has been very special and I’m excited for our side to be back at Edgbaston soon. There are a number of experienced heads in our team, both players and staff, many of them far wiser than I am – so it will be great to work together towards what will hopefully be a successful season for the club.”

Elsewhere, Dane van Niekerk and Sam Billings, and Anya Shrubsole and James Vince, will continue their captaincy roles at Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave respectively. London Spirit had already announced England duo Heather Knight and Dan Lawrence as their sides’ captains.