Club captain Chris Cooke and fast-bowler Marchant de Lange will join Colin Ingram as Glamorgan’s representatives in The Hundred after being selected in last night’s historic draft.
de Lange was picked in the sixth round by Manchester Originals, while Cooke was drafted by Birmingham Phoenix in round seven as each of the eight teams selected their squads live on Sky Sports.
Ingram had already been selected by Welsh Fire in the first stage of the draft process, earlier this month, as one of their Local Icon players, along with Somerset’s wicker-keeper batsman Tom Banton.
Meanwhile, Welsh Fire, who will be based at Sophia Gardens, welcomed 14 new players to the team.
Gary Kirsten went head-to-head with seven competing head coaches to select the very best players to represent Cardiff-based team in The Hundred next summer.
Chosen from a 570-strong player pool, left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc was the first player picked. Joining him is Australia international Steve Smith and Qais Ahmed, who were picked from the international player pool.
Gary Kirsten quickly snapped up Ben Duckett and Simon Harmer, joining existing teammate Jonny Bairstow who was selected as their England Men’s red-ball central contract pick, as well as Banton and Ingram.
The men’s team, based at Sophia Gardens, will face seven other teams in the competition when it starts in Summer 2020.
Welsh Fire have selected the following line up:
Jonny Bairstow
Mitchell Starc
Steve Smith
Tom Banton
Colin Ingram
Ben Duckett
Ravi Rampaul
Simon Harmer
Liam Plunkett
Ryan ten Doeschate
David Payne
Ryan Higgins
Danny Briggs
Leus du Plooy
During the evening, Welsh Fire also announced the signing of Meg Lanning to join the women’s team as a marquee player. Lanning’s signing represents the first announcement of the second stage of the player selection process within the women’s competition. She will join England stars Katie George and Bryony Smith, who were unveiled in stage one of the process earlier this month.
Steve Smith, speaking to Sky Sports, commented: “It’s great to be involved in the first-ever 100-ball competition, and I’m really looking forward to joining Welsh Fire with Jonny [Bairstow] and Starcy [Mitchell Starc]. It’s really exciting for cricket and it’s going to be full of fire!”
Gary Kirsten, Welsh Fire Head Coach, said: “I think it’s fair to say I’ve never experienced a night like that – I was on the edge of my seat all night. Our place in the draw meant that we had to think really quickly and react with every other team pick, but I’m really pleased with the Welsh Fire team we’ve created this evening, and I’m confident it’s going to be a great first season for The Hundred at Sophia Gardens next summer.”
Sanjay Patel, Managing Director of The Hundred said: “We now have eight quality men’s teams and eight more world class women’s players confirmed to feature in The Hundred next summer. The Hundred Draft was an incredible way to put the men’s teams together – another great historical moment for British sport this year. We hope these new teams will inspire existing fans and newcomers to not only rally behind them, but also pick up a bat and ball and join in.”
If you missed the live picks, you can catch up on the action via Sky Sports On Demand, Sky Sports Digital platforms, BBC iPlayer, thehundred.com and The Hundred Facebook and Instagram.
For the latest news and priority access to tickets visit thehundred.com