Welsh Fireplace have signed former England worldwide Chris Woakes for the 2026 season of The Hundred.
The 36-year-old is a one-day and T20 World Cup winner described by Welsh Fireplace as “one of the revered all-rounders in world cricket”.
Woakes had signed for the Fireplace final 12 months however was unable to make an look after dislocating his shoulder in his final ever Check match towards India in August.
With over 300 worldwide wickets and expertise in franchise leagues the world over, Welsh Fireplace might be hoping the white-ball veteran helps flip the facet’s fortunes round after a tricky few years.
Woakes stated: “I am completely delighted to return to Welsh Fireplace for this 12 months’s Hundred marketing campaign.
“I used to be gutted not to have the ability to take to the sphere final 12 months in Wales as a result of shoulder damage, however I am actually excited to be coming again and to play in entrance of Welsh Fireplace followers.”
Regardless of his huge expertise throughout white-ball competitions, Woakes has solely performed three video games in The Hundred – for Birmingham Phoenix in 2023.
Welsh Fireplace males’s head coach Michael Hussey stated: “Chris is a world-class cricketer and a implausible addition to our group.
“His expertise, professionalism and talent to affect video games with each bat and ball might be invaluable for us, each on and off the sphere.”
Woakes follows Phil Salt, Rachin Ravindra and Marco Jansen in turning into Welsh Fireplace’s fourth and ultimate direct signing.
An public sale will happen in March the place the franchises will bid for gamers to find out their ultimate squads for the 2026 version of the competitors.
