World Cup-winning captain Meg Lanning leads a cast of seasoned international stars to have signed for Trent Rockets in The Hundred Draft.
Lanning joins South African superstar Mignon du Preez, Australia leg-spinner Alana King and New Zealand batter Colin Munro in signing for the Rockets, as Head Coaches Salliann Beams and Andy Flower moved towards finalising their squads ahead of the second edition of the competition.
Outlaws icon Luke Fletcher, meanwhile, forms part of a six-strong Notts contingent in the men's side, with Nottinghamshire's Sophie Munro moving from London Spirit.
Elsewhere, men’s Head Coach Flower made moves for highly-rated batter Tom Kohler-Cadmore, all-rounder Ian Cockbain and Colin Munro, top scorer for Manchester Originals last year.
“I've always loved playing at Trent Bridge in front of the packed houses they get there, said Kohler-Cadmore.
“To be representing Trent Rockets in The Hundred this year is an amazing opportunity.
“I loved my time at Northern Superchargers and I really enjoyed the competition last year so I can’t wait to get back out there this summer.”
World-Cup winner King joins the women's Trent Rockets side having made her IT20, ODI and Test debuts inside 15 days during her country’s recent Ashes success over England.
Whilst the 26-year-old is relatively new to the international stage, Lanning and du Preez bring a wealth of experience - and a combined tally in excess of 10,000 international runs - to the Rockets’ party.
Lanning averages over 50 in ODIs and 35 in T20 cricket for Australia, while nobody has scored more runs for South Africa’s women in either format than du Preez.
Off-spinning all-rounder Bryony Smith and right-handed batter Marie Kelly have also signed for the Trent Bridge based outfit having represented Welsh Fire and Birmingham Phoenix respectively in the tournament’s inaugural year.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Trent Rockets this summer,” said Smith.
“The Hundred was such an incredible competition last year and to be involved again, this time at Trent Bridge, is super exciting.
“I can’t wait to see all of families there to cheer us on.”
The duo are joined by 17-year-old Kent and South East Stars left-arm seamer Alexa Stonehouse and by off-spinner Georgia Davis, who joined the Rockets as a replacement following stellar performances in 50-over cricket for the Central Sparks in 2021.
They join the international quartet of Katherine Brunt, Nat Sciver, Kathryn Bryce and Sarah Glenn, and wicketkeeper-batter Abbey Freeborn, who have been retained after starring for the Rockets in 2021.
The team have two places to fill as well as the overseas wildcard which will be confirmed in June in a world first for a women’s sport competition.
Men's Head Coach Flower had already retained ten of the team that reached the Eliminator last summer, including 2021 captain Lewis Gregory, overseas fast bowler Marchant de Lange and the Nottinghamshire contingent of Alex Hales, Tom Moores, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel and Matthew Carter.
Nottinghamshire's Joe Clarke and Lucy Higham will represent Welsh Fire and Northern Superchargers respectively, with former Notts all-rounder Jenny Gunn also picked up by the Superchargers.
The men’s squads will be completed when each side selects their domestic and overseas wildcard picks in June.
The Hundred's inaugural season proved to be a big hit, with families and young people in particular relishing the mix of fast-paced cricket with music and family entertainment off the pitch, and with plans for bigger and better off-field offerings this year.
Trent Bridge will come alive with new concourse activities offering even more fun for all the family and a diverse range of great music acts through the continuing partnership with BBC Music Introducing. Year two of The Hundred will also offer a new range of merchandise to get the family kitted out in Trent Rockets colours.
The tournament returns to Trent Bridge on Saturday 6 August as the men’s team take on Birmingham Phoenix. The opening women’s game at home will see Trent Rockets host Oval Invincibles on Wednesday 17 August in a double header.
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Get your seat now so you don’t miss out on the sport and entertainment event of the summer – anyone signed up to www.thehundred.com will be able to snap up their seats from today (5 April) with tickets going on general sale on 20 April.
The Hundred offers an affordable day out for the family, with U16 tickets priced at £5 and free for children aged five and under, and there are exclusive family areas in every ground.
Tickets have already been selling fast after last year’s buyers were given first chance to get their seats for this year.