Ellyse Perry pulls out of The Hundred

Due to represent Birmingham Phoenix, the Australia allrounder has withdrawn due to "personal circumstances". Her replacement has not yet been confirmed

Being Ellyse Perry, the world's best cricketer

The Hundred has suffered another big-name withdrawal with the news Ellyse Perry has opted against fulfilling her deal with Birmingham Phoenix.

The 30-year-old, ranked No.6 in the women's T20 Player Index, has pulled out due to "personal circumstances".

A six-time world champion with Australia, Perry is the latest big name to decide against playing in the 100-ball tournament.

No replacement has yet been announced.

"We are obviously very disappointed that Ellyse Perry has had to withdraw from The Hundred due to personal circumstances, but we completely understand her decision and wish her all the best," said Beth Barrett-Wild, head of the women's competition which begins on July 21.

Earlier this month, many of Perry's international teammates including Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning and Beth Mooney opted against travelling to the UK to play.

The mass exodus has been blamed on the challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Australia is currently on the UK's travel green list, meaning arrivals do not need to quarantine but require a negative Covid test.

However, Australia is currently closed to most arrivals with locals and those with exemptions only permitted to enter. Currently, the country is accepting just over 3,000 people per week, a cap that is expected to last until next year.

The men's competition, which starts a day later on July 22, has also been hit by a string of withdrawals cause by the pandemic and the rescheduling of international fixtures.