Phil Salt has signed for Welsh Fireplace as their captain for the 2026 Hundred season, whereas fellow England openers Ben Duckett and Sophia Dunkley have joined Trent Rockets and Birmingham Phoenix have added seamer Lauren Filer.
Salt has substantial international franchise expertise, together with within the Indian Premier League, and has made 1,540 runs at 38.50 in 50 T20 internationals for England.
The 29-year-old, who was born in north Wales, indicators from Manchester Originals, the place he has spent his whole Hundred profession to this point.
“Becoming a member of Welsh Fireplace represents a really thrilling new problem, and I’ll take nice pleasure in taking part in in Wales,” mentioned Salt.
“It is at all times particular to play at Sophia Gardens, a spot that holds so many nice reminiscences for me.
“Changing into the primary Welsh captain to guide England on Welsh soil was an actual honour, and getting the T20 win in opposition to Australia made it much more satisfying.”
Welsh Fireplace males’s workforce head coach Mike Hussey, who is ready to be supported by Ricky Ponting in a strategic role, added: “Phil signing on as captain is nice information for Welsh Fireplace.
“We have labored and loved success collectively earlier than, so I do know from expertise what he can deliver to the group.
“Phil’s strengths and firepower with the bat makes him a very thrilling addition to the highest order of any squad. I am certain the followers cannot wait to see him step out for us as a proud Welshman in 2026.”
New Trent Rockets batter Duckett, 31, endured a troublesome Ashes collection in Australia, averaging simply 20.2, however has established himself as one of many world’s main all-format opening batters in recent times.
The left-hander, who joins from Birmingham Phoenix, already is aware of Trent Bridge properly, having performed county cricket for Nottinghamshire since 2018.
“Trent Bridge is already my residence in so many alternative methods, so signing for the Rockets appears like a full circle second, and I am completely delighted,” mentioned Duckett.
“No doubt, it is my favorite floor to play at in England, and I can not wait to play for the Rockets in entrance of the perfect followers within the nation too.”
Dunkley, an England common since making her worldwide debut in 2021, joins from Welsh Fireplace.
The 27-year-old batter has scored 1,065 runs in The Hundred at a mean of 31.32 with seven half-centuries.
“The platform that The Hundred has given the ladies’s recreation to date has been immense, and it is an extremely thrilling time, so I can not wait to see what lies in retailer with the Rockets,” she mentioned.
Rockets head coach Chris Learn added: “Sophia can be a superb addition to our squad, and brings confirmed run-scoring potential coupled with helpful expertise.”
England’s Filer, one of many quickest bowlers within the girls’s recreation, joins Ellyse Perry and fellow new signing Alice Capsey within the Phoenix squad.
The 25-year-old joins from Manchester Originals, the place she spent two years following single seasons at London Spirit and Welsh Fireplace.
She averaged 12.12 with the ball for Originals in 2025, taking eight wickets in six matches.
“Lauren is an thrilling younger bowler with real tempo and actual competitiveness in her recreation,” mentioned Phoenix girls’s head coach Ali Maiden.
“She brings an aggressive mindset and management that we imagine can be essential in The Hundred.”
“I am actually happy to be becoming a member of Birmingham Phoenix,” mentioned Filer.
“I’ve at all times cherished taking part in at Edgbaston the place the ambiance is unbelievable. I can not wait to get began with the workforce, bowl in entrance of the Phoenix followers, and contribute to what I do know can be a powerful season.”
Groups have been restricted to 4 signings for the 2026 season, with all remaining gamers set to be allotted to squads in a new auction format.
England batter Jacob Bethell and spinner Rehan Ahmed have signed for Phoenix’s males’s facet.
