England superstars Jonny Bairstow, Ollie Pope and Tom Banton can’t wait to dazzle the Cardiff crowd with their world-class skills when The Hundred kicks-off this summer.
Big-hitting batsman Bairstow and fast bowler Liam Plunkett – who were both part of England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup-winning squad – will be in the Welsh Fire side for the tournament.
They will be joined in the team by current Test batsman Pope and the innovative Banton. All four players are poised to excite supporters at Welsh Fire’s home ground of Sophia Gardens.
Bairstow said: “The Hundred is going to be great. We know how passionate Welsh fans are about their sport and this summer will be a great opportunity to see some of that passion at the cricket.
“We have a really exciting bunch of players and hopefully we can put on a series of performances for the Welsh fans. The new format of The Hundred is exciting.
“It’s a new concept for cricketers and one we’re looking to take forward.”
Welsh Fire is one of eight new teams taking part in The Hundred, a new 100-ball competition designed to throw open cricket’s doors to everyone.
The team coached by former great South African batsman Gary Kirsten will confirm their squad for the tournament after the final round of draft picks which takes place behind closed doors on February 22 with announcements on February 23.
Welsh Fire have seven spots to fill in their team with the possibility of more international stars joining the likes of Bairstow in the side.
Plunkett hopes to make more good memories in Cardiff after playing there for England.
“I love playing at the stadium in Cardiff. I feel like I’ve been successful there in the past,” he said. “I’ve won six out of seven when I’ve played in Cardiff and have great memories from those games.
“I feel like I can relate to the Welsh and I’ve always had good chats with the net bowlers and the people around the dressing rooms. I feel comfortable there and the pitch suits me because I can bang the ball in and mix my deliveries up.”
England batsman Pope, currently in Test action in India, added: “Cricket is growing quickly in England and there is no reason why a similar sort of thing couldn't happen in Wales.
“It would be great if Welsh Fire could help to grow the sport and it might help people get behind the side and watch it grow.
“If we can have some success and hopefully win the tournament, hopefully a lot of Welsh fans will get behind that and help the participation levels in Wales.”
The Hundred is family friendly, inclusive and fun, and will appeal as much to regular cricket watchers as well as those new to the sport.
All eight teams will have men’s and women’s sides with both Welsh Fire outfits playing all their home games at Sophia Gardens on the same day.
Sophie Luff captained Western Storm in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy last summer and is one of several West Country-based women’s stars to have signed for Welsh Fire.
“I’m hugely excited and fingers crossed 2021 is the year for The Hundred,” said Luff.
“It gives women’s cricket more visibility being on the same platform as the guys and that’s what we want. We want to show what we can do. The women’s game has developed professionally even in the last year so credit to the England & Wales Cricket Board for pushing that.
“The new format brings a new audience and I think everyone will be craving live cricket by the time the summer comes around.”
Somerset’s Banton has played six One Day Internationals and nine T20 Internationals for England and has impressed in the Indian Premier League and Australia’s Big Bash.
“I can’t wait for The Hundred to start in the summer,” he said. “I can’t imagine what it will feel like to play in front of crowds it’s been so long! A lot of people have really missed sport and a big crowd really helps a lot of players. Cardiff is a big stadium, but I can’t wait to play there and for people to come and watch.”