Player movement in The Hundred

The Hundred has today confirmed a number of new players who will take part in the first season of the 100-ball competition.

Northern Superchargers welcome former Southern African skipper Faf du Plessis, who will replace Aaron Finch as men’s captain, with Laura Wolvaardt coming in for Alyssa Healy in the women’s team.

South Africa will be well represented across the competition with Suné Luus joining Welsh Fire and spinner Imran Tahir signing up at Birmingham Phoenix, while the second ranked women’s IT20 bowler in the world, Shabnim Ismail, will replace Rachael Haynes at Oval Invincibles.

A number of New Zealand stars will also take part in The Hundred including Adam Milne and Finn Allen at Birmingham Phoenix, and Colin Munro at Manchester Originals while Rachel Priest will replace Elyse Villani at Trent Rockets. Allen replaces Kane Williamson who will not play in the inaugural edition of The Hundred due to injury. Glenn Phillips will play for Welsh Fire until Kieron Pollard arrives from West Indies duty.

The new signings replace a number of players who are no longer able to play in the first year of The Hundred amid the challenges of the global Covid-19 pandemic and the rescheduling of various international fixtures.

Meanwhile, the final 12 domestic slots in the women’s squads have been finalised. Amongst the signings are 2020 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final hero, Charlotte Taylor at Southern Brave, 17 year old Grace Scrivens at London Spirit, and South East Stars leg-spinner, Danielle Gregory at Oval Invincibles. 

In the men’s competition, Yorkshire’s Jordan Thompson will replace Olly Stone at Northern Superchargers after Stone was ruled out for the season with a back injury. Manchester Originals will replace Harry Gurney (retired) with Ollie Robinson while Sam Hain comes in for Wayne Madsen. The final replacement before the Vitality Wildcard Draft is Somerset's Will Smeed in place of the injured Henry Brookes at Birmingham Phoenix.

In addition, Western Storm Head Coach Mark O'Leary will replace Matthew Mott as Head Coach of the Welsh Fire women's squad. Mark will be supported by Lightning Head Coach Rob Taylor and Leeds/Bradford MCCU Head Coach Andrew Lawson as assistant coaches.

Northern Superchargers captain Faf du Plessis said, “It is a real honour to lead Northern Superchargers in their first season. Playing alongside the likes of Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid and Chris Lynn alongside a number of talented young players will be really exciting. I can’t wait to get going in a few weeks time.”

Oval Invincibles star Shabnim Ismail said, “I’m absolutely buzzing to take part in The Hundred. To play in London will be really special, and I know I speak for all my South African teammates when I say we are really looking forward to getting over to the UK and making history in the first year of The Hundred. In particular, I cannot wait to play in the opening fixture of the whole competition on 21 July at The Kia Oval, and maybe bowling the first ever ball in The Hundred.”

Sanjay Patel, The Hundred Managing Director, said, “We know that the ongoing situation with the Covid pandemic and an incredibly busy international schedule has caused significant challenges for a number of international players, but we are delighted with the quality of players who have come in. The Hundred will provide world class entertainment on and off the pitch starting with the opening game, a standalone women’s game, at The Kia Oval on 21 July.”

Combining world-class fast-paced cricket, with top quality live music, The Hundred will bring entertainment to the whole family this summer, with tickets selling fast. For more information on The Hundred or for tickets head to www.thehundred.com.

Full list of overseas Hundred signings

Domestic Signings

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