The Hundred: World Cup Winner Tammy Beaumont Says The Chance To Captain Welsh Fire Was Too Good To Refuse

By Tom Prosser

England international Tammy Beaumont says the opportunity to captain Welsh Fire in the Hundred was too good to turn down.

Both the men’s and women’s squads for the second edition of the Hundred have been announced and the Fire have bolstered their women’s team by signing a trio of England internationals.

“We are building a really talented squad, full of world class players and we can’t wait to get out in front of our amazing fans in Cardiff and put on a show,” said Beaumont.

The 31-year-old will be joined in Cardiff by her 2017 World Cup winning team-mates, Fran Wilson and Alex Hartley, who join from Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals respectively.

Tammy Beaumont was named player of the tournament at the 2017 World Cup. Pic: Getty.

“We are building a really talented squad, full of world class players and we can’t wait to get out in front of our amazing fans in Cardiff and put on a show,” added Beaumont, who has represented England 190 times in all formats of the game.

“I’m beyond excited to be leading Welsh Fire this summer, I loved my time with London Spirit but the opportunity to captain Welsh Fire was something I couldn’t turn down.”

Newly crowned Australian World Cup winners, Rachel Haynes and Annabel Sutherland will also arrive in Cardiff to link with West Indies star Hayley Matthews as the Welsh Fire’s overseas players.

Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire’s Joe Clarke joins the Men’s Welsh Fire side as their marquee signing.

Clarke, has been picked in the highest 125k price category, and last year he hit an explosive 58 runs off just 31 balls to propel the Manchester Originals to victory over Welsh Fire.

Joe Clarke in action in Australia’s Big Bash league. Pic: Getty

“To be second pick in the Hundred Draft is really quite something,” said Clarke.

“I’m honoured that Welsh Fire have chosen me to join their side.

“I can’t wait to be at Sophia Gardens this summer giving it our all in front of a packed house.

“We’ve got the makings of a great side and we want to be up the top of the table.”

Gary Kirsten’s men also signed, Australia spinner Adam Zampa, Pakistan bowler Naseem Shah and South African batter David Miller.

The Welsh fire get their campaign underway against Southern Brave on the 3^rd August.