England’s veteran fast bowler James Anderson and Rocky Flintoff, son of veteran all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, have been included among the wildcard draft picks for The Hundred’s next season in 2025. The wildcard draft provides teams with an opportunity to improve their lineups by picking two additional players who remained unsold in the first player draft.
James Anderson to Make Debut Hundred at the Age of 43
In a dramatic twist of fate, James Anderson is set to play his franchise cricket for almost 43 years. Manchester Originals have signed him as one of their two wildcard selections. England’s greatest fast bowler in Tests, Anderson, surprised everyone by making a comeback to first-class T20 cricket in 2025, playing for Lancashire Lightning in the T20 Blast after an 11-year gap.
So far for the season, Anderson has taken 14 wickets from eight matches, as well as an eye-watering three-wicket return on his return to action. To talk of his selection, Anderson was thrilled:
“I’m looking forward to The Hundred and I’m delighted to be playing for the Manchester Originals. I’ve enjoyed being at Lancashire this season so I’m delighted to have the chance to contribute in the Hundred.“
He went on to highlight the importance of the competition in attracting young supporters:
“It’s a competition I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching. When you’re at the games, you can see the younger crowd and family enjoying it. That’s so important for the future of the game.“
Rocky Flintoff Joins Northern Superchargers Under His Father’s Coaching
Another notable wildcard pick is 17-year-old British youngster Rocky Flintoff, the son of ex-England skipper Andrew Flintoff. He has been picked up by Northern Superchargers, a team coached by his dad himself. While he hasn’t played yet in a T20 game, Rocky hogged the limelight with a century in a 50-over match and a 93 in a youth Test while out on England U-19’s recent tour of India U-19.
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His selection indicates a long-term bet on young talent, the Superchargers believing to can unleash his raw talent with guidance from his legendary father.
Complete List of Men’s and Women’s Wildcard Selects for The Hundred 2025
Men’s Wildcard Selects:
Manchester Originals: James Anderson, Marchant de Lange
Northern Superchargers: James Fuller, Rocky Flintoff
Southern Brave: Toby Albert, Hilton Cartwright
Trent Rockets: Callum Parkinson, Ben Sanderson
London Spirit: Sean Dickson, Ryan Higgins
Ajeet Singh Dale, Ben Kellaway
Welsh Fire: Liam Patterson-White, Louis Kimber
Oval Invincibles: George Scrimshaw, Zafar Gohar
Women’s Wildcard Picks:
Manchester Originals: Esmae MacGregor, Darcey Carter
Northern Superchargers: Katherine Fraser, Sophia Turner
Southern Brave: Phoebe Turner, Amara Carr
Trent Rockets: Grace Thompson, Sophie Morris
London Spirit: Abi Norgrove, Kate Coppack
Welsh Fire: Charley Phillips, Alex Griffiths
Birmingham Phoenix: Mary Taylor, Phoebe Brett
Oval Invincibles: Daisy Gibb, Rebecca Odgers
Hilton Cartwright Replaces Injured Faf du Plessis
Australia’s Hilton Cartwright was the lone overseas player picked in the wildcard round. He will replace injured Faf du Plessis at Southern Brave. The Brave also drafted veteran batter Jason Roy, further strengthening top-order options.
Why The Wildcard Draft Matters in The Hundred
The wildcard system provides richness and versatility to team lineups and provides late chances to performers in domestic cricket. With stalwarts such as James Anderson and up-and-coming players like Rocky Flintoff, the wildcard selections have been a major talking point leading into the 2025 season.
Final Thoughts
The Hundred 2025 is looking like a thrilling blend of the greats and newcomers. With James Anderson debuting in the format and Rocky Flintoff continuing a family tradition, there is much for fans to get excited about.
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