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Australian cricket superstar Ellyse Perry is set for a high-profile homecoming, rejoining the New South Wales Breakers for the 2025–26 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) season after spending six years with Victoria. The move marks a full-circle moment in Perry’s storied domestic career and is seen as both a personal and professional return.
Why Ellyse Perry switched her state ahead of the 2025-26 WNCL season?
The 34-year-old Perry cited personal and family reasons behind her decision. “I’m really looking forward to being back in Sydney and closer to my family and longtime friends,” the all-rounder said in her official statement. She had originally left New South Wales in 2019 to move to Melbourne, where she lived with then-husband Matt Toomua, although she continued to represent Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) during her time with Victoria.
Despite limited appearances due to her international schedule, Perry made a considerable impact at Victoria. In just 20 WNCL matches, she scored 1,052 runs at an outstanding average of 75.14, notching up five centuries, and took 13 wickets. Highlights from her tenure include a 147-run innings against New South Wales in 2023 and a commanding 145-run knock against the ACT earlier this year.
Also READ: Ellyse Perry signs with Hampshire for 2025 T20 Blast and One-Day Cup
“Ellyse is not only one of the world’s best cricketers but also a role model”: Leah Poulton
Perry’s return provides a massive boost for the defending WNCL champions, New South Wales. Leah Poulton, Head of Female Elite Cricket at Cricket NSW, expressed her excitement about Perry’s comeback, saying, “Ellyse is not only one of the world’s best cricketers but also a role model whose influence extends well beyond the field. Her professionalism, experience, and approach to the game make her an invaluable addition to our program.”
While Perry’s availability will depend on her national commitments – including an ODI World Cup in October and a September tour of India – her presence whenever possible will be a huge asset for the Breakers. She is expected to link up with the squad after the WBBL season and could feature in January before Australia’s multi-format series against India.
Apart from her commitments with the Breakers, Perry’s 2025 schedule remains packed. She will feature for Hampshire in England’s county circuit in July and will once again turn out for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred in August.
Also READ: Cricket Australia unveils Women’s contract for 2025-26; Tess Flintoff earns first national deal
