Australian superstar Steve Smith has become Welsh Fire’s first Direct Signing in The Hundred, signing up on Deadline Day as the men’s and women’s teams begin to form their squad.
Smith joins the likes of Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell and Jonny Bairstow in Mike Hussey’s men’s squad, while the women’s team have secured the return of overseas trio Hayley Matthews, Jess Jonassen and Shabnim Ismail, as well as captain Tammy Beaumont.
Across The Hundred, 12 Direct Signings have been confirmed on Deadline Day, with the eight teams finalising their retentions and forming their squads ahead of The Hundred Draft on 12 March.
The Hundred returns to Cardiff for its fifth year on 9 August, with the double-header visit of London Spirit.
Australia batter Steve Smith said: “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 Mike Hussey and the rest of the boys.”
Welsh Fire captain Tammy Beaumont said: “It means a lot to me to be returning to Welsh Fire once again. Over the past few years, we’ve built a strong core of players, and it’s great to see so many of them returning as we look to build on that together for another season. I can’t wait to get back to Sophia Gardens and play in front of our amazing Cardiff crowd. We’re determined to go all the way and win the competition this year after missing out so narrowly at Lord’s in 2024.”
Welsh Fire Women: Hayley Matthews, Tammy Beaumont, Jessica Jonassen, Shabnim Ismail, Sarah Bryce, Georgia Elwiss, Freya Davies, Georgia Davis, Emily Windsor, Beth Langston
Welsh Fire Men: Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, Luke Wells, Steven Eskinasi
From today, supporters who are members at Counties or fans who have bought tickets for The Hundred in three seasons or more are able to buy match tickets.
An exclusive window open will be open to fans who have previously bought tickets to The Hundred from 4-18 March.
All other fans who would like to access priority tickets can enter the priority sale window from 1-15 April by signing up in advance at thehundred.com.
The general sale period for the fifth year of The Hundred begins from 17 April. Tickets continue to be great value, with prices set at £5 for juniors aged 3-15 (free for under 3s) and adults starting from £12.
