Australian cricket stars Steve Smith and Meg Lanning are set to compete in The Hundred this summer after securing spots on the tournament’s deadline day.
This year, teams had the opportunity to sign one male and one female player directly, bypassing the traditional Hundred draft process.
Tuesday’s announcement confirmed 148 squad spots, with Smith and Lanning among several fresh faces joining the competition.
Smith has signed with Welsh Fire, while Lanning will represent the Oval Invincibles. Meanwhile, fellow Australians Megan Schutt and Marcus Stoinis—who recently retired from international cricket—will play for Birmingham Phoenix and Trent Rockets, respectively.
Additionally, Afghanistan’s T20 specialist Rashid Khan has joined the Oval Invincibles, while New Zealand pacer Trent Boult will team up with Schutt at Birmingham Phoenix.
Smith told the England and Wales Cricket Board: “I’m delighted to be joining Welsh Fire later this summer.
“I was due to be involved with The Hundred at the beginning of the competition so it’s great to finally be able to make it to Wales. I’ve watched The Hundred from afar and I can’t wait to be involved. It looks a lot of fun and obviously the cricket is world class, with talent at every team.
“I’m looking forward to trying out a new format and hopefully playing my part for (head coach) Mike Hussey and the rest of the boys.”
England’s centrally contracted players have secured their spots in The Hundred, with Jos Buttler (Manchester Originals), Joe Root (Trent Rockets), Harry Brook and Adil Rashid (both Northern Superchargers), Nat Sciver-Brunt (Trent Rockets), and Sophie Ecclestone (Manchester Originals) all retained.
However, Test captain Ben Stokes will not feature in the tournament as he prioritizes rest ahead of the Ashes series in Australia this winter.
Reports had already suggested that Stokes would skip the competition to manage his fitness during a packed summer schedule, which includes Test matches against Zimbabwe and India from May to August.
The 33-year-old all-rounder suffered a hamstring injury while representing Northern Superchargers last August and was sidelined for three months after aggravating it during the December Test series against New Zealand.
With 68 squad spots still open, the draft to finalize selections will take place on March 12. Teams will have another opportunity to strengthen their rosters in May’s Wildcard Draft, where standout domestic performers can earn a place in the competition.
