Sarah Taylor, the legendary England wicketkeeper, has come out of what had seemed to be a complete retirement to sign for Welsh Fire in the inaugural season of “The Hundred”.
One of England’s greatest ever keepers, Taylor made 226 appearances for England including 10 Tests, 126 ODIs, and 90 IT20s before retiring from international cricket in 2019. She won three Ashes series and two World Cups in 2009 and 2017.
Post-retirement Sarah Taylor took a role as a sports and life coach at Bede’s School in East Bourne. Recently in March, the 31-year-old became the first woman to work as a skills coach at a men’s county team, when Sussex appointed her as a wicket-keeping coach.
The right-hander is excited to join the Welsh Fire for the maiden edition of The Hundred and is elated to get back on the field as a player.
“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. It’ll be really special to get back out there and be part of a Welsh Fireside that hopefully can have a great first season,” Sarah Taylor said.
Welsh Fire has also signed Australia leg-spinner Georgia Wareham after international team-mate Jess Jonassen withdrew due to personal circumstances. Wareham, 21, has taken 33 wickets at 13.78 in 32 T20s for Australia.
The new 100-ball competition runs from 21 July to 21 August, with Welsh Fire facing Southern Brave in their opening match on 27 July.
