BIRMINGHAM, January 15, 2026 – The Birmingham Phoenix has bolstered its squads for the 2026 season of The Hundred, signing Australian opening batter Mitch Owen and fast bowler Lucy Hamilton. This strategic move aims to inject fresh talent and competitive edge into both the men’s and women’s teams.
Phoenix Secure Australian Duo for 2026 Campaign
The Birmingham Phoenix has added Mitch Owen and Lucy Hamilton to their roster for the upcoming Hundred season, strengthening their chances in the competition.
- Mitch Owen, the top run-scorer in the 2024-25 Big Bash League, brings explosive power to the Phoenix men’s team.
- Lucy Hamilton, the youngest player to achieve a five-wicket haul in the Women’s Big Bash League, adds youthful talent to the women’s squad.
- Owen has already represented Australia in 16 white-ball matches since his debut in July.
- The Phoenix men’s team has one remaining signing slot before the inaugural auction.
Owen, 24, has quickly become a rising star in Australian cricket, having made 16 appearances for Australia in white-ball formats since his debut in July. He recently propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden Big Bash League title, delivering a blistering 39-ball century in the final – a feat that tied the record for the fastest century in the competition’s history.
“Mitch adds power, versatility and competitive edge to our men’s squad, and his skillset suits the Hundred format extremely well,” said Phoenix performance director James Thomas.
Joining the Phoenix women’s team is 19-year-old Lucy Hamilton, an uncapped Australian seamer who has already made a significant impact in the Women’s Big Bash League. She has played 21 games for Brisbane Heat over the last four seasons, earning the distinction of being the youngest player to claim a five-wicket haul in the tournament’s history.
“Lucy and Mitch are two players we’re delighted to bring into the Phoenix environment,” Thomas added. “Lucy is a talented young bowler with great potential, and we believe this is the perfect setting for her to continue her development.”
Hamilton will link up with Alice Capsey, Lauren Filer, and Ellyse Perry in the Phoenix women’s lineup. Owen joins Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell as the third signing for the Phoenix men. The men’s team still has one signing available before the Hundred’s auction, where the remaining squad members will be determined.
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