Ollie Pope has switched to Welsh Fire as the first batch of players to feature in The Hundred next year were revealed, with London Spirit selecting Zak Crawley ahead of Rory Burns, who is on his way to Oval Invincibles.
The inaugural edition of the 100-ball competition was postponed by 12 months because of the coronavirus pandemic but the deferral does not mean last year’s deals automatically transfer to the summer of 2021.
England last week updating who holds a men’s central contract had an impact as all eight teams are guaranteed at least one individual who holds a Test deal, and six of the eight franchises stuck with their initial selection.
Heather Knight is conspicuous by her absence on the list – with West Indies opener Deandra Dottin the player agreeing to be retained by London Spirit – although that is no indicator of the England captain’s intentions.
Windies captain Stafanie Taylor is being kept by Southern Brave, Birmingham have kept Amy Jones, Kate Cross stays with Manchester Originals and Lauren Winfield-Hill will remain with Northern Superchargers.
Fran Wilson has been retained with the Invincibles, Trent Rockets have held on to Nat Sciver and Katie George is staying at Welsh Fire.
Retained players: Birmingham Phoenix – Amy Jones, Dom Sibley and Chris Woakes. London Spirit – Zak Crawley and Deandra Dottin. Manchester Originals – Jos Buttler and Kate Cross. Northern Superchargers – Ben Stokes and Lauren Winfield-Hill. Oval Invincibles – Rory Burns, Sam Curran and Fran Wilson. Southern Brave – Jofra Archer and Stafanie Taylor. Trent Rockets – Joe Root and Nat Sciver. Welsh Fire – Katie George and Ollie Pope.
