The list of players pulling out from the inaugural edition of “The Hundred” seems to be increasing with each passing day. As per the current development as many as five more players have made themselves unavailable for the tournament including the likes of dynamic Caribbean duo Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell. In the women’s tournament, star Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry has withdrawn her name from the tournament citing personal issues.
Hayley Matthews has been named as the replacement for Sune Luus after she tested positive for COVID-19 and was ruled out of the whole competition. The Caribbean all-rounder will ply his trade for Welsh Fire. Meanwhile, New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has been signed up by the Southern Brave as a replacement for the swashbuckling Andre Russell. He has withdrawn his name for the tournament in order to fulfil international commitments.
"When I got the call to join Southern Brave it was an easy decision. I've settled in really well at Hampshire and I'm hoping to create some more fantastic memories at the Ageas Bowl. I'm really looking forward to linking up with Devon Conway again and all of the guys can't wait to get going,” Colin de Grandhomme said after signing his deal with Southern Brave.
Meanwhile, Hayley Matthews was excited to be a part of the inaugural Hundred competition and to share the field with Sarah Taylor. "I'm thrilled to be taking part in The Hundred this summer. It'll be a lot of fun to play in Cardiff alongside the like of Sarah Taylor in front of big crowds. The Hundred can help move women's cricket forward and it'll be great to take part,” she said.
Fast bowler Marchant de Lange has been snapped up by the Trent Rockets as a replacement for Pakistan speedster Wahab Riaz after the left-arm pacer was forced to return to Pakistan due to visa issues.
Glenn Phillips who played a match-defining knock in the 3rd ODI against Pakistan will play the whole tournament for Welsh Fire as a replacement for Kieron Pollard. The regular Windies white-ball skipper hasn’t played a single match in the ongoing T20 series against Australia owing to a hamstring injury he sustained ahead of the series.
Ellyse Perry who is arguably the greatest female cricketer to have graced the game has been replaced by Katie Mack after striking a replacement deal with the Birmingham Phoenix.