15 Jul, 2025 | 04:36 PM
Veteran fast bowler James Anderson and teenage prodigy Rocky Flintoff headline the wildcard selections for the 2025 edition of The Hundred, with both players set to feature in the tournament for the first time this August.
Anderson, who turns 43 later this month, has been handed a £31,000 wildcard contract by Manchester Originals following an impressive return to T20 cricket after more than a decade away from the format. Representing Lancashire in the Vitality Blast, Anderson has taken 14 wickets in eight matches, proving himself as a reliable new-ball specialist. Despite going unselected in the March draft, his standout performances have now secured him a spot in the Originals’ squad.
In contrast, 17-year-old Rocky Flintoff has yet to play a professional T20 match but has earned a wildcard deal with Northern Superchargers, coached by his father, Andrew Flintoff. The selection is bound to spark debate, but the younger Flintoff has already showcased his potential with a century for England Lions in Australia and a recent hundred for England Under-19s against India.
Southern Brave became the first team to sign an overseas wildcard, bringing in Australia’s Hilton Cartwright. They also signed Toby Albert, who could serve as a wicketkeeper amid injury concerns for Finn Allen and Laurie Evans.
Welsh Fire added Ben Kellaway, the Glamorgan allrounder known for his ambidextrous spin, following a breakout domestic season.
Trent Rockets picked Callum Parkinson with the first draft pick and signed Ben Sanderson and Dillon Pennington, the latter replacing injured seamer John Turner.
Notably, in-form Yorkshire batters James Wharton and Will Luxton were overlooked despite strong showings in the T20 Blast.
In the women’s wildcard draft, Esmae MacGregor was rewarded for her 21 wickets for Essex in the domestic Blast with a contract from Manchester Originals. Meanwhile, Mary Taylor will join her twin sister Millie at Birmingham Phoenix, strengthening the sibling duo’s presence in the competition.
The Hundred will run from August 5 to 31, with the tournament kicking off at Lord’s, where London Spirit will host Oval Invincibles in a men’s and women’s double-header.
Men's Wildcard Picks (£31,000 each):
Trent Rockets: Callum Parkinson, Ben Sanderson
Birmingham Phoenix: Liam Patterson-White, Louis Kimber
Welsh Fire: Ajeet Singh Dale, Ben Kellaway
Northern Superchargers: James Fuller, Rocky Flintoff
Manchester Originals: James Anderson, Marchant de Lange
London Spirit: Sean Dickson, Ryan Higgins
Oval Invincibles: George Scrimshaw, Zafar Gohar
Southern Brave: Toby Albert, Hilton Cartwright
Women’s Wildcard Picks (£10,000 each):
Birmingham Phoenix: Mary Taylor, Phoebe Brett
London Spirit: Abi Norgrove, Kate Coppack
Manchester Originals: Esmae MacGregor, Darcey Carter
Northern Superchargers: Katherine Fraser, Sophia Turner
Oval Invincibles: Daisy Gibb, Rebecca Odgers
Southern Brave: Phoebe Turner, Amara Carr
Trent Rockets: Grace Thompson, Sophie Morris
Welsh Fire: Charley Phillips, Alex Griffiths
