HUNDRED champions Southern Brave got off to an exciting start with the choice to re-sign keeper-batter Quinton de Kock as their first draft pick, and followed up by selecting exciting England under-19 spinner Rehan Ahmed.

de Kock was one of the stars of The Hundred’s launch season last year, while Hampshire batter Joe Weatherley was also picked up by the Brave after an impressive 2021 Vitality Blast.

South African de Kock said: “I can’t wait to come back and play for Southern Brave this summer and hopefully defend our title.

“Being part of the side last year was special and it was amazing to see the Ageas Bowl packed full with kids having an amazing time.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed was one of the stars of England’s team which reached the final of the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, whilst Surrey left-armer Dan Moriarty will link up with Ahmed in the spin department.

The women’s side will welcome Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath, a breakthrough star in Australia Ashes and Women’s World Cup win this winter, and Jo Gardner, winner of the edition of The Hundred with Oval Invincibles.

They will also be joined by Gardner’s teammate and Southern Vipers captain Georgia Adams, as well as 16-year-old Southern Vipers academy bowler Freya Kemp, and opening batter Ella McCaughan.

The Hundred returns to the Ageas Bowl for the opening game of this year’s competition on Wednesday, August 3, as the Brave’s men’s team take on Welsh Fire.

Three double header days follow, with the women’s team getting underway at the Ageas Bowl on Friday, August 12, in the first double header against London Spirit.

The other matches see both men’s and women’s sides face Manchester Originals on Thursday, August 18, and Trent Rockets on Thursday, August 25.

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