England internationals Jonny Bairstow and Katie George have officially been selected for the Welsh Fire men’s and women’s teams respectively.
Joining Jonny Bairstow on the men’s team will be powerful Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Banton, who will tour New Zealand with England this winter, and Glamorgan batter Colin Ingram. The players were selected in the first stage of The Hundred Men’s Draft, which culminates live on Sky, on 20th October.
The women’s team has also picked their first players, each announcing two of the centrally contracted England Women players in the first stage of the Player Selection Process. Playing alongside Katie George will also be England batsman Bryony Smith.
Also revealed is the identity and kit for Welsh Fire, which will feature Hula Hoops as its KP Snacks official Team Partner.
FINAL WELSH FIRE PLAYER CONFIRMATIONS
- Men’s team: Jonny Bairstow (England Men’s red ball central contract pick), Tom Banton, Colin Ingram (Local Icons)
- Women’s team: Katie George and Bryony Smith (England Women’s central contract picks)
The men’s team, based at Sophia Gardens, will go head-to-head with stars from seven other teams in the competition, including England Test captain Joe Root – who has joined Trent Rockets - and England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan for London Spirit. Welsh Fire will also face England’s star bowler of the summer Jofra Archer as part of Southern Brave and all-rounder Ben Stokes in Northern Superchargers squad.
The women’s team, who will play at The Bristol County Ground and The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, will face off against England captain Heather Knight, skipper for London Spirit. Anya Shrubsole – Knight’s vice-captain for England – will join up with Danni Wyatt at Southern Brave. Nat Sciver will join Trent Rockets, alongside Katherine Brunt.
Jonny Bairstow commented: “When you look at the level of top-class cricket players and coaches in The Hundred, you can’t help but get excited by the prospect of playing in it. I can’t wait to start training with Welsh Fire, there is always brilliant support at Sophia Gardens and I’m ready to get out there and do what I can to contribute to the success of the team.”
Katie George said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Welsh Fire for The Hundred. It’s a new competition which is really exciting for English cricket and for the women’s game. I’m really looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and the coaching staff and hopefully to start forming a successful team.”
Of his Local Icon picks, Head Coach Gary Kirsten said: “After careful consideration we have decided to go with Colin Ingram and Tom Banton - a potential England star of the future.
“Tom Banton is a young up and coming player with one of the most outstanding performances in the Blast 2019. As a keeper he will bring balance to our squad and his high strike rate and appetite for runs make him a match winner at the top of the order.
“Equally we chose Colin Ingram for his experience and deep knowledge of short format cricket, having played around the world and tasted success. As one of the top performers of short format cricket in the UK over the last couple of years, he can adapt his game to any situation, is well liked and respected by his teammates and will play a leadership role within our team.”
Sanjay Patel, managing director of The Hundred said: “We are thrilled to share the first players who will be starring in the men’s and women’s competitions for The Hundred next summer. Our ambition is to inspire the next generation to pick up a bat and ball and we hope that a fire will be ignited in young people as they see their sporting heroes play in The Hundred.”
The final stage of the The Hundred Draft is set to provide an historic first for British sport when it is staged on Sunday, October 20. It will be broadcast live on Sky One and Sky Sports, with extensive coverage across the BBC.
The five-week competition will be played at the height of summer, starting July 2020, featuring eight new city-based teams from Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Southampton and two in London (Lord’s and the Oval).
For the latest news and priority access to tickets visit thehundred.com