New Zealand allrounder Sophie Devine to captain Birmingham Phoenix

She has previously played in the Kia Super League for both Loughborough Lightning and Yorkshire Diamonds

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New Zealand star Sophie Devine has been named captain of Birmingham Phoenix’s women’s team for The Hundred.

The 30-year-old captained her country at the recent T20 World Cup in Australia and is currently the top-ranked allrounder in the ICC’s women’s T20I rankings.

She was named the player of the tournament at the recent Women’s Big Bash, having scored 769 runs and taken 19 wickets for Adelaide Strikers, though she would ultimately lose in the final against Brisbane Heat.

She has previously played in the Kia Super League for both Loughborough Lightning and Yorkshire Diamonds, while also representing Warwickshire’s women’s side in 2017 and 2018.

“Birmingham is a place that’s close to my heart having had a couple of years with Warwickshire and it’s great to know so many members of the squad,” Devine said.

“I’ve also played cricket with and against fellow Phoenix teammates Amy Jones, Georgia Elwiss and Kirstie Gordon at international level and in the premier domestic tournaments, as well as Marie Kelly.

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“The Hundred is a hot topic of conversation amongst many of us. We’re already starting to talk about tactics and how we go about things.

“I know that it’s only 20 fewer balls than a T20, but the decision-making between whether a bowler sends down five balls or takes on the option to bowl ten straight, will be really interesting.

“It’s going to be an exciting new challenge and I can’t wait to get started. A shorter, sharper format should really suit my style of play.”

Ben Sawyer, Birmingham Phoenix women’s team head coach, added: “Sophie was the first international player we selected for Birmingham Phoenix and I’ve always admired the way she goes about her game.

“She’s an outstanding bowler and her batting is just as good, as demonstrated in the recent Women’s Big Bash League where she reinforced her position as one of the world’s best.

“Having seen a lot of her with New Zealand, it’s clear that she is a natural leader and her experience in the international arena, and with Warwickshire, makes her the ideal candidate to lead Birmingham Phoenix. I have no doubt that she will do a great job.”