World Cup winning skippers stay at London Spirit

England’s World Cup winning captains Heather Knight and Eoin Morgan will be leading London Spirit women’s and men’s teams respectively in The Hundred next year, it has been announced today. Knight and Morgan will be joined by Naomi Dattani and Dan Lawrence, who have also been retained.

Eoin and Heather will join the team based at Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, where they both lifted the World Cup. Heather led England to victory against India there in the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2017, and Eoin followed suit with the men’s side two years later in equally dramatic fashion.

Eoin Morgan said, “I am delighted to be retained as Captain of London Spirit. We have the makings of a great squad and I’m looking forward to playing at the Home of Cricket in this exciting new format. I believe we will have a great blend of skills both in the squad and our coaching staff and I can’t wait to get going.”

Heather Knight said, “It is a real honour to be retained as skipper for next year. We are beginning to build an exciting side and hopefully we can make a real impact on the pitch.

“While it was obviously disappointing that the competition wasn’t able to take place this year, The Hundred promises to be a real leap forward for our sport and I can’t wait to lead the side in 2021."

All-rounder Dattani was part of the Western Storm squad who won the Kia Super League in 2019. The Middlesex captain also made history earlier this year, when she became one of the first wave of professional domestic female cricketers, signing for the new London & East regional team, the Sunrisers.

Naomi Dattani added, “It’s really exciting to compete in The Hundred next year. The competition will be a big step forward for the women's game, offering the opportunity for professional women’s cricket to be presented on the same platform, and with equal billing, alongside the men’s game. The wait will definitely be worth it, and I’m really looking forward to get going in 2021.”

Dan Lawrence was named as a men’s local icon pick by London Spirit last year prior to the postponement of the competition. The talented young batter was called up as a reserve for the England men’s Test squad this summer following a successful winter down under with the England Lions.

Dan Lawrence said, “I’m thrilled to be retained by London Spirit. The Hundred will give players a great opportunity to learn from the best and with Eoin Morgan as Captain I hope to develop my game and be a major part of the success of the team.

“It is a very exciting new format and I think the squad we are putting together will perform really well. The added bonus will be the opportunity to play at Lord’s which is every player’s dream.”

Last month it was announced that Zak Crawley and Deandra Dottin will be part of the London Spirit men’s and women’s squads respectively in 2021.

Notes to Editors

HUNDRED PLAYER MOVEMENT

The Hundred will launch in 2021, an action-packed unmissable 100-ball cricket competition that will put you on the edge of your seat.

Wondering how the players will be picked by the eight teams for 2021? To find out how the men’s squads will be selected please click here. To read the full player selection process for the women’s squads click here.