The team has released its list ahead of The Hundred Draft at the end of March
CAPTAIN Tammy Beaumont and England bowler David Payne are among the big names featured in the Welsh Fire’s retained list.
The list was released on February 16, ahead of the upcoming draft, which will see teams competing to fill 134 empty spots.
The Cardiff-based franchise will have the first pick of the draft as a result of finishing last in the previous edition of the tournament, which is set to enter its third year.
The Fire recently appointed Mike Hussey as head coach for the men’s team, and the former Australian international will no doubt want to improve his side’s poor showing last year.
But before results on the field can improve, Hussey must first prove himself capable of building a squad good enough to take on the very best by picking wisely in this year’s draft, with eight empty spots in the side up for grabs.
Despite the empty spaces in the team, the Fire have managed to retain several key names such as England cricketers Ollie Pope and David Payne.
“I’m delighted to be retained by Welsh Fire for 2023 for my third season in Cardiff,” said Payne.
“The last two campaigns obviously haven’t been easy, but I’m excited about starting fresh in 2023. We need to get off to a good start so we need to make sure we have the right mix of talent and experience to take us to the next level.’’
Elsewhere the women’s team will be looking to complete their own redemption arc after a less than memorable campaign that saw them record only two wins.
The women’s competition will be hosting the draft for the first time in its history this year. And with the wealth of talent being made available to them, the Fire will have the perfect opportunity to kickstart a potential run that could end with an appearance at Lords.
Under the rules of the draft the women’s teams can retain four of their players, with the likes of West Indies all-rounder Haley Matthews and team captain Beaumont staying at Sophia Gardens ahead of the opening round of fixtures on August 1.
“I’m so excited to be back as captain of Welsh Fire for The Hundred,” said Beaumont.
“It’s such an exciting time for us with the women’s draft just around the corner.
“We’re on the lookout for some seriously talented players to join our team, and I can’t wait to see who we can bring on board to help us compete this August.’’
Both the women’s and men’s sides are set to face the Manchester Originals on August 2 in Cardiff.
