Ellyse Perry to play for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred

Speaking about the signing, Perry said that the opportunity to be involved in something incredibly exciting and unique for the sport. "To be part of the first edition and playing is something I am sure will be talked about for a long period of time, and have a successful run is the reason you play in the first place."

She felt that it was an honour to be involved in the tournament, adding, "I am really looking forward to having a crack at it. It will challenge the way we do a lot of things."

The ICC Player of the Decade said that the new format would bring in new fans for the women's sport. "Innovation is great in sport - people are often quite resistant at the start because they don't like change, particularly in sport, but these things can be great. Equally, I am looking forward to seeing the depth of women's cricket in England and how that has developed over the last couple of years."

"Cricket is quite a traditional game and often drawn out, so the advent of T20 has been wonderful for engaging new fans. The Hundred is an even more condensed version. So, that is attractive to people who perhaps haven't been as drawn to cricket beforehand."

The 30-year-old will be joining the likes of England stars Amy Jones and Georgia Elwiss and New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine at the Phoenix.

Perry said that she is excited about the prospect of the women's fixture beginning a new tournament. "It's very cool that a women's game will kick off the competition."

"It's a great opportunity for the sport to showcase the women's side of things. I think it's great the men's and women's tournaments are pitted together and put on an equal standing," she concluded.