Jones-Cleary Wedding Marks New Era in Cross-Border Women's Cricket Romance

The women's cricket fraternity came together in celebration this weekend as England wicket-keeper batter Amy Jones married Australian seamer Piepa Cleary on April 4, 2026. The intimate ceremony in Western Australia brought to fruition a love story that began in the most unlikely of places: the competitive arena of the Women's Big Bash League.

What started as professional teammates at Perth Scorchers has evolved into something far more significant for the sport itself. Their connection first sparked while playing together for Perth Scorchers in the WBBL, and their wedding now marks the next chapter in that journey, bringing together their shared experiences in cricket and their lives beyond the game.

The couple's journey wasn't without its challenges. For years, they navigated a long-distance relationship across continents before Cleary relocated to England in 2021 and started playing for North West Thunder. This commitment to being together speaks volumes about their dedication, both to each other and to making their careers work alongside their personal lives.

Among those involved in the celebrations were Nat Sciver-Brunt and Katherine Brunt, who were the bridesmaids, reflecting the strong bonds Jones shares with her England teammates. The presence of cricket's most celebrated same-sex couple as bridesmaids carries deeper symbolism: it's a passing of the torch in women's cricket's journey toward complete acceptance and representation.

Jones brings substantial credentials to this union. A senior figure in England's lineup since making her international debut in 2013, she has played more than 100 ODIs, scoring 2,659 runs at an average of 32.82. Meanwhile, Cleary has built her career within Australia's domestic system as a right-arm seamer representing Western Australia and Perth Scorchers in the WBBL, gaining recognition for her disciplined bowling, though she is yet to break into the Australian national side.

The response from the cricket world has been overwhelmingly positive. England's Kate Cross, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, along with Sophie Ecclestone, Alice Capsey and Maia Boucher were among those to respond publicly, reflecting the strong support for the couple within the global cricketing fraternity.

This wedding represents more than just personal happiness: it's a statement about how far women's cricket has come in creating an inclusive environment where players can be authentically themselves. As franchise cricket continues to break down traditional boundaries, relationships like Jones and Cleary's prove that the game's future lies in unity, not division.