
Sat Jan 17 14:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Birmingham Phoenix Signs Australian Cricket Stars for 2026 Hundred Season
The Story:
Birmingham Phoenix has announced the signing of Australian opening batter Mitch Owen and seamer Lucy Hamilton for the 2026 season of The Hundred. Owen, known for his explosive batting, has already made 16 appearances for Australia in white-ball cricket and was the top run-scorer in the 2024-25 Big Bash League, leading the Hobart Hurricanes to victory. Hamilton, an uncapped but promising bowler, brings experience from 21 games with the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League, holding the record as the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in the tournament.
Key Points:
- Mitch Owen, a 24-year-old Australian batter, joins Birmingham Phoenix after a successful Big Bash League season.
- Lucy Hamilton, a 19-year-old Australian seamer, also joins Birmingham Phoenix, bringing Women’s Big Bash League experience.
- Owen was the top run-scorer in the 2024-25 Big Bash League and scored a 39-ball century in the final.
- Hamilton is the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in the Women’s Big Bash League.
- Birmingham Phoenix performance director James Thomas expressed excitement about the signings and their potential contributions to the team.
Key Takeaways:
- Birmingham Phoenix is strategically strengthening its squad with international talent for the 2026 Hundred season.
- The signings highlight the growing appeal of The Hundred as a platform for overseas players.
- The focus on both established performers like Owen and promising youngsters like Hamilton suggests a balanced approach to team building.