Just two games before their last two group-stage clashes of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, UP Warriorz have experienced a massive setback as injured Phoebe Litchfield has been ruled out of the competition as the franchise announced. The Australia batter is the team’s leading run-getter of the team. 

Phoebe Litchfield, who has smashed overall 440 runs in 22 innings of the WT20Is at an average of 31.42 and a strike rate of 140.12 with the help of two half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 64 runs, has drilled 243 runs in six innings of the WPL 2026 at an average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 154/77, shouldering on two half-centuries at the best score of 78 runs.

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In her position, Warriorz have signed Amy Jones as the replacement. Litchfield, who has picked up a quad injury, has returned home to rehab ahead of the Australia vs India series down under, which starts on February 15. Jone was unsold at the auction and has now been picked at her auction for a base price of INR 50 lakh by UPW.

UPW sign Amy Jones as replacement of Phoebe Litchfield in WPL 2026

Jones has notched up overall 1666 runs in 101 innings of the Women’s T20Is at an average of 20.31 and a strike rate of 121.60, thanks to five half-centuries for England at the best score of 89 runs. It will be her first season of the WPL and could attract more teams for the upcoming editions.

In the recent 2025/26 season of the Women’s Big Bash League, Jones collected 234 runs in 11 innings for the Melbourne Stars at an average of 23.40 and a strike rate of 125.80, with the help of one half-century at the best score of 59. The knockout game from early December 2025 remains his last competitive outing.

UPW were last in action on January 22 and lost to Gujarat Giants by 45 runs. They have the poorest net run-rate of the five teams. They need to win their two remaining games to qualify for the playoffs but also need to boost their net run rate. Their next game will be on January 29 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Talented England wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones and Australian right-arm pace bowler Piepa Cleary have announced their engagement in a social media post on Monday. The couple, who met while playing for the Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League, shared the news with their fans through social media posts.

Amy Jones and Piepa Cleary Announce Engagement

In an Instagram post, Jones shared their engagement with a picture of the couple holding glasses of champagne, with the caption, “Cheers to forever.” Meanwhile, Cleary’s engagement ring, which is also a stunning diamond, was prominently featured in the photo as well.

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While they announced their engagement recently, they have been dating for quite some time.

Amy Jones, who was born on June 13, 1993, in the West Midlands, has been a regular face in England’s women’s Test and ODI squads since her debut in 2019 as well. Over her career, she has played 6 Tests and 91 ODIs, smashing 116 and 1951 runs, respectively as well.

On the other hand, Piepa Cleary, who was born on July 17, 1996, is three years younger than Amy Jones and she has made a mark as a talented right-arm pacer for Australia as well. Despite the traditional rivalry between England and Australian cricketers, that certainly doesn’t affect their personal bond as well.