Trent Rockets have added a pair of rising stars to their women’s squad as the launch of The Hundred draws nearer.

Right-hander Michaela Kirk and leg-spinning all-rounder Ellie Mitchell are the latest additions to Salliann Beams’ squad ahead of the inaugural season of the competition.

The duo’s signings are confirmed alongside Sarah Taylor’s return to the field, with the legendary former England keeper joining Welsh Fire for the 2021 campaign.

Kirk has played for South African side Northerns since 2012, making nine appearances in their triumphant 50-over campaign of 2019.

"I’m super excited to be able to play alongside some of the best players in the world and absorb as much knowledge as I can."

Michaela Kirk

The 21-year-old has helped Northerns reach the last four in five further one-day tournaments, as well as the final of the 2013/14 T20 competition.

“I’m super excited to be able to play alongside some of the best players in the world and absorb as much knowledge as I can from them,” she said.

“Salliann, too, has played and coached all over the world, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to pick her brains.

“It can all only help my game to grow, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Mitchell, meanwhile, was part of Western Storm’s championship-winning squad in the 2019 Kia Super League. 

"The Hundred is a massive step forwards for the women’s game."

Ellie Mitchell

The 19-year-old, whose career-best 158 not out came in 2018, has since linked up with the East Midlands-based Lightning setup and spent time with the England academy.

“The Hundred is a massive step forwards for the women’s game,” she said.

“Women’s cricket has grown so quickly in the past few years, and there are so many amazing female players who have the capability to perform at the same levels as the men, so it’s going to be really good for people to be able to see that.

“The whole competition will be so much bigger than we’ve been used to, so it will be great for everyone’s development, and I’m really excited to get going.”  

Kirk and Mitchell will link up with the likes of Katherine Brunt, Nat Sciver, Sarah Glenn and Elyse Villani at Trent Rockets, with four fixtures to be played at Trent Bridge at the height of summer.

Each women’s game will form the first half of a double-headed matchday, with a men’s side featuring the likes of Alex Hales, Rashid Khan and Joe Root also taking to the field.

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