Big hitters going for top whack
CRICKET
WEST Indies allrounder Kieron Pollard was the first pick of the 2022 men’s Hundred draft while Australia’s World Cup winners dominated the opening women’s selections.
The 34-year-old Pollard will join London Spirit after going for the highest possible price of £125,000 when the draft took place behind closed doors on Monday.
Pollard’s fellow West Indian stars Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo were also snapped up for the maximum amount, the all-rounders joining Manchester Originals and Northern Superchargers respectively.
Spirit also splashed out £125k for England international spinner Liam Dawson and £75k for Australian fast bowler Riley Meredith as they remodel their squad after finishing bottom of last season’s standings.
Dawson, part of the Southern Brave squad that won the inaugural Hundred title last season, said: “It’s an honour but I was surprised to be one of the first picks in the draft for The Hundred this year.”
Welsh Fire bolstered their batting with the signing of Joe Clarke for £125k.
Australia spinner Adam Zampa and South Africa batter David Miller will also be heading to Cardiff as overseas signings alongside Pakistan paceman Naseem
Shah. Fire also re-signed Somerset batter Tom Banton.
“To be second pick in the Hundred Draft is really quite something,” Clarke said. “I’m honoured that Welsh Fire have chosen me to join their side.
“We’ve got the makings of a great side and we want to be up the top of the table.”
Alongside Russell, the Originals also signed English white-ball specialist Laurie Evans and Sri Lanka spinner
Wanindu Hasaranga.
Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz will be part of the overseas contingent at the Superchargers alongside Bravo.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Northern Superchargers this summer. Last year’s competition turned a lot of heads so Sir Champions is excited to play the format and see the music and crowds for myself. Bring it on,” Bravo said.
Australian stars were in high demand in the women’s draft, with Spirit swooping for Beth Mooney and Megan Schutt just two days after they helped their country to victory over England in the World Cup final.
West Indies allrounder Deandra
Dottin topped the women’s pick for the Manchester Originals, going for £25,000, having been at London Spirit previously.
England opener Tammy Beaumont made the switch from Spirit to Welsh Fire where she will be joined by Australian duo Rachael Haynes and Annabel Sutherland, the former having just finished as the second-highest run scorer at the World Cup. West Indies’ Hayley Matthews completes the overseas contingent at Fire, with former England pair Fran Wilson and Alex Hartley also moving to Cardiff from Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals respectively.
Jenny Gunn has joined the Northern Superchargers, while the Originals have also signed Amy Satterthwaite to link up with the retained Sophie Ecclestone.