Steve Smith is set to make his debut in the UK’s The Hundred after signing with the Welsh Fire on the tournament’s “deadline day”.
Smith and fellow Australians Marcus Stoinis, Meg Lanning and Megan Schutt were all confirmed for the 2025 edition on deadline day, as were New Zealand quick Trent Boult, Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan, and South African trio David Miller, Faf du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen.
The teams in the men’s and women’s tournaments will be filled out entirely when the draft runs its course on March 12.
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Smith will link up with Australian batting great Michael Hussey, who’s set for his third season as head coach of the Welsh Fire.
Smith was signed with the Welsh Fire for the scheduled first year of the innovative 100-ball tournament, but the champion batter never played because the competition was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s women’s tournament will begin on August 5, one day before the men’s competition starts.
“I’m delighted to be joining Welsh Fire later this summer,” Smith said.
“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.
Steve Smith. Getty
“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.”
Stoinis will play for the Trent Rockets, Lanning is signed with the Oval Invincibles, and Schutt is locked in at the Birmingham Phoenix.
Smith is currently captaining Australia at the 50-over Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan.
