The Hundred: 3 key overseas players for Welsh Fire Men in the upcoming season
The Hundred Men's competition is returning with its second edition this week and all eight teams, including Welsh Fire, are ready to lock horns and get their hands on the championship on September 3 2022.
The team had a rather disappointing inaugural season, where they finished seventh in the points table, winning just three of their eight league matches.
Captain Ben Duckett and coach Gary Kirsten will be looking to have an improved showing in this year's tournament and pose a real challenge for the title.
The Welsh Fire squad comprises of domestic talents like Tom Banton, David Payne, Ben Duckett, Josh Cobb and Jake Ball, among others.
Overseas stars such as Adam Zampa, Naseem Shah, David Miller and Noor Ahmed will aim to leave a big mark this season and contribute to the team's success. Bairstow's absence is a major blow for the team ahead of the tournament.
There's just 24 hours to go until the team deadline for Block 1 ⏰
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Let's look at the 3 overseas key players that Welsh Fire will rely heavily on to turn around their fortunes this year.
#1 David Miller
The destructive, left-handed middle-order batsman from South Africa has had a dream run in the past 12 months that showed in his performances in South Africa's domestic T20 tournament and IPL 2022.
Playing for Gujarat Titans this season in the IPL, Miller scored 481 runs at an average of 68.7 and a strike rate of 142, including 23 massive sixes.
The feared power-hitter will be looking to have his amazing form continue in The Hundred and pile up runs that will help the team. His partnership with Ben Duckett, the highest run scorer for Fire last season, will be crucial.
#2 Naseem Shah
The young pace sensation from Pakistan is one of three Pakistan players to be a part of The Hundred tournament this year. Naseem Shah will look at this season as an opportunity to strengthen his claim as a regular member of Pakistan's national squad.
I want to see Naseem Shah bowling in The Hundred. Can't wait to see him improve further. He was really happy with his CPL stint too, needs more opportunities. #TheHundred
In 45 T20 matches, Shah has picked up 44 wickets at an economy rate of 8.17. However, his style of bowling and the raw pace he generates will suit the English conditions and Welsh Fire would want him to step up and provide early breakthroughs.
#3 Adam Zampa
The right-arm leg-spinner from Australia pulled out of The Hundred last season but was picked up by Welsh Fire for the second season. Zampa had a brilliant T20 World Cup for Australia in 2021 that was held in UAE.
Many believed that he even deserved the Player of the tournament award. In seven matches, he picked up 13 wickets at an economy rate of 5.81 and an average of 12, including a 5-wicket haul.
Adam Zampa hasn't featured in a lot of games for the national team this year but will surely be the leader of the bowling attack this year.
Charles Dagnall and Charlotte Edwards are joined by Sophie Molineux, Fran Wilson, Sam Curran & Adam Zampa to give their thoughts on the big-name players signings made in The Hundred 🏏
Click below to listen to the full episode 👇