Former England Women wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Taylor is all set to feature in the inaugural edition of The Hundred after signing for Welsh Fire.
Taylor called time on her stellar England career in 2019 amid issues with anxiety and has not been seen on a cricket field since turning out for Surrey Stars, in the now defunct Kia Super League, that season.
Taylor – who recently joined Sussex as a part-time wicketkeeping coach, making her the first female skills coach to work in men’s county cricket, said that she is delighted and happy while joining The Hundred.
“There has been a real buzz about The Hundred, and especially the women’s competition.
“We’ve got the best players from around the world involved and the temptation to be part of it was too great to resist. I’m so excited at the prospect of playing again,” said Sarah.
“It’ll be really special to get back out there and be part of a Welsh Fire side that hopefully can have a great first season.”
Taylor, widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers of all time, won two 50-over World Cups and one T20 World Cup during her 13-year international career.
Taylor played 10 Tests, 126 ODIs and 90 T20Is and effected 232 dismissals across formats.
Fire’s head coach Matthew Mott also opened up on Taylor’s joining and said that her experience and ability to influence games will help the side in establishing a strong foundation.
“Sarah is one of the best cricketers England has ever produced. It goes without saying she would improve any side and we are delighted she’s signed with us.
“Her experience and ability to influence games will be vital as we look to establish some strong foundations in our first campaign.”
There has been another change in the squad with Georgia Wareham replacing Jess Jonassen, who has decided to opt out of the tournament because of personal reasons.
“Georgia has been an integral part of the Australian side and she’ll bring a real x-factor to our squad.
“She is a dependable and damaging leg-spinner and has developed her batting as a powerful middle-order player with the ability to clear the fence.
“She is developing into a complete cricketer with her outstanding fielding making her an exciting addition,” Mott added.
Wareham, 21, has taken 53 wickets across 19 one-day internationals and 32 T20 internationals for Australia.