High-profile domestic reshuffle signals start of Hundred 2026
With the January 16 deadline for pre-signings now closed, several Hundred teams have moved decisively to secure key English talent ahead of the first-ever player auction in March. Among the biggest moves, Phil Salt has been named captain of Welsh Fire, Ben Duckett returns to Trent Bridge to join the Rockets, and Sophia Dunkley shifts to the Rockets women’s squad.
These signings—announced officially by their respective teams via statements and social platforms—set the tone for the new season of The Hundred, which will run from July 21 to August 16. Each franchise was allowed a maximum of four pre-picks ahead of the draft, with constraints around overseas and centrally contracted players.
Phil Salt to lead Welsh Fire in homecoming move
After spending his entire Hundred career with Manchester Originals, Phil Salt will head to Cardiff in 2026 to captain Welsh Fire. The 29-year-old England opener brings significant international and franchise experience and is one of the most consistent white-ball performers in the country.
“Joining Welsh Fire represents a very exciting new challenge, and I will take great pride in playing in Wales,” said Salt in an official statement via Welsh Fire.
He also highlighted the emotional connection with the venue: “It’s always special to play at Sophia Gardens, a place that holds so many great memories for me.”
Reflecting on one particular milestone, he added, “Becoming the first Welsh captain to lead England on Welsh soil was a real honour, and getting the T20 win against Australia made it even more satisfying.”
Welsh Fire head coach Mike Hussey welcomed the appointment. “Phil signing on as captain is great news for Welsh Fire,” Hussey said.
“We’ve worked and enjoyed success together before, so I know from experience what he can bring to the group,” he continued.
Hussey also praised Salt’s impact with the bat, adding, “Phil’s strengths and firepower with the bat makes him a really exciting addition to the top order of any squad. I’m sure the fans can’t wait to see him step out for us as a proud Welshman in 2026.”
Duckett returns to Trent Bridge in full-circle moment
Ben Duckett will reunite with his county home ground as he joins the Trent Rockets from Birmingham Phoenix. Despite a tough Ashes series in Australia, the 31-year-old remains one of England’s top multi-format batters.
“Trent Bridge is already my home in so many different ways, so signing for the Rockets feels like a full circle moment, and I’m absolutely delighted,” Duckett said in an official statement via Trent Rockets.
He added, “Without doubt, it’s my favourite ground to play at in England, and I can’t wait to play for the Rockets in front of the best fans in the country too.”
Sophia Dunkley joins Rockets in major boost for women’s squad
One of the most consistent performers in The Hundred women’s competition, Sophia Dunkley has moved to Trent Rockets after previously representing Welsh Fire. She brings over 1,000 runs and seven half-centuries in the competition and is expected to anchor the top order.
“The platform that The Hundred has given the women’s game so far has been immense, and it’s an incredibly exciting time, so I can’t wait to see what lies in store with the Rockets,” Dunkley said in an official statement via Trent Rockets.
Rockets women’s head coach Chris Read expressed high expectations: “Sophia will be a brilliant addition to our squad, and brings proven run-scoring ability coupled with valuable experience,” he said.
Lauren Filer strengthens Phoenix bowling attack
Birmingham Phoenix have added one of the fastest bowlers in the women’s game with the signing of Lauren Filer from Manchester Originals. The 25-year-old had a strong 2025 campaign, taking eight wickets in six matches with an average of 12.12.
Phoenix women’s head coach Ali Maiden was full of praise: “Lauren is an exciting young bowler with genuine pace and real competitiveness in her game,” he said.
“She brings an aggressive mindset and control that we believe will be crucial in The Hundred,” Maiden added.
Filer, who has previously played for London Spirit and Welsh Fire, said she is eager to settle in at Edgbaston. “I’m really pleased to be joining Birmingham Phoenix,” she said in an official statement via Birmingham Phoenix.
“I’ve always loved playing at Edgbaston where the atmosphere is incredible. I can’t wait to get started with the team, bowl in front of the Phoenix fans, and contribute to what I know will be a strong season,” she added.
With several marquee moves already confirmed, and more to come via the March auction, teams are strategically shaping their cores well ahead of the 2026 season.
Confirmed pre-picks for The Hundred 2026
Birmingham Phoenix
Men: Jacob Bethell (retained), Rehan Ahmed (signed from Trent Rockets)
Women: Ellyse Perry (retained, overseas), Alice Capsey (pre-signed from Oval Invincibles), Lauren Filer (signed from Manchester Originals)
London Spirit
Men: Liam Livingstone (pre-signed from Birmingham Phoenix), Jamie Overton (retained)
Manchester Super Giants
Men: Jos Buttler (retained), Noor Ahmad (retained), Heinrich Klaasen (retained), Liam Dawson (pre-signed from London Spirit)
MI London
Men: Sam Curran (retained), Will Jacks (retained)
Women: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (pre-signed from Southern Brave)
Southern Brave
Men: Jofra Archer (retained)
Women: Lauren Bell (retained)
Sunrisers Leeds
Men: Harry Brook (retained), Brydon Carse (retained), Mitch Marsh (pre-signed, overseas), Nathan Ellis (pre-signed, overseas)
Women: Kate Cross (retained), Annabel Sutherland (retained), Phoebe Litchfield (retained)
Trent Rockets
Men: Ben Duckett (pre-signed from Birmingham Phoenix), Tim David (pre-signed, overseas)
Women: Nat Sciver-Brunt (retained), Sophia Dunkley (pre-signed from Welsh Fire)
Welsh Fire
Men: Phil Salt (pre-signed from Manchester Originals)
