HAMPSHIRE Hawks have pulled off a major coup with the signing of Australian legend Ellyse Perry for this summer’s T20 Blast campaign.

Her arrival marks one of the most high-profile signings in the history of women’s domestic cricket in England.

The 34 year old all-rounder, widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time, will feature in six T20 Blast matches.

She will also play two One Day Cup fixtures for Hampshire throughout July and should the Hawks qualify for the T20 Blast finals day, Perry will also be available.

Speaking ahead of her arrival, Perry said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the Hampshire team this summer.  The club has been a leader within the women’s game for the last 10 years.

"I’m excited to have the opportunity to join the team at such an exciting time for domestic cricket in England. There’s always a great atmosphere at Utilita Bowl and I can’t wait to walk out as part of the home team for the first time on Sunday, July 6.”

Perry is the world top-ranked all-rounder in women’s cricket and holds an extraordinary list of accolades, including being a two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, ICC Player of the Decade (2020), and a three-time winner of Australia’s Women’s International Cricketer of the Year.

A prodigy who made history as the youngest-ever cricketer - male or female - to represent Australia, Perry has dominated the sport for nearly two decades.

Her honours include six T20 World Cup titles, two ODI World Cups, a Commonwealth Games gold medal, two Women’s Big Bash League crowns, and an astonishing 11 Women’s National Cricket League titles.

She is also the most successful player in Women’s Ashes history, holding records as both top run-scorer and wicket-taker.

Hampshire Women’s head coach, Paul Prichard added: “Ellyse is one of the world’s best cricketers and we are looking forward to welcoming her to the team this summer. Her record across all formats speaks for itself.

"She will add a tremendous amount of value on and off the pitch. Our group of young players will learn so much from Ellyse and I know our fans will be incredibly excited to see her in a Hawks shirt.”

Perry is set to make her debut for Hampshire on Friday, July 4 against The Blaze at Chesterfield. She will then make her home bow at the Utilita Bowl just two days later, when the Hawks face Somerset on Sunday, July 6.

Fans will have six more chances to see her in action throughout July, with four fixtures at home and two on the road.