James Anderson was not picked for the 2025 Men’s Hundred competition in Wednesday’s draft. This happened despite the experienced fast bowler making himself available.
Anderson, aged 42, retired from international cricket earlier in 2024. He had entered the draft after signing a one-year contract with Lancashire, which includes playing in the T20 Blast. Although he hasn’t played T20 cricket for over ten years and had no base price for the draft, he was not selected for any of the 26 domestic player spots. He still has a chance to participate in The Hundred as a Wildcard selection.
In terms of overseas players, Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad, a left-arm spinner, and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell, an all-rounder, were the top picks. Both secured contracts worth £200,000. Ahmad will join Manchester Originals, whose owners also own his team in the SA20 league. Bracewell, who performed well for New Zealand at the recent Champions Trophy, was chosen by Southern Brave, the runners-up in 2024.
David Warner will play in his first Hundred season, joining London Spirit for £120,000 after being unpicked last year. This move reunites him with Justin Langer, his former coach from Australia, who became Spirit’s coach in January. Warner is among five Australian players in the Hundred, filling the remaining overseas spots after teams directly signed 14 players as per new rules.
Another newcomer to the Hundred is Rachin Ravindra, the Champions Trophy’s best player. He was picked by Manchester Originals for £120,000. Lockie Ferguson, another New Zealander, was also selected by Trent Rockets, having previously played for Originals and Welsh Fire.
English players also gained valuable contracts. Jamie Overton secured £200,000 with London Spirit, recognizing his role as a key fast-bowling all-rounder in England’s ODI and T20 teams. He will be joined by Jamie Smith, Spirit’s centrally contracted England player. Zak Crawley, who was released by Spirit, signed with Northern Superchargers for £120,000.
Chris Woakes joining Welsh Fire as their main English player led to David Willey getting a £200,000 contract with Trent Rockets. Consequently, David Payne took Willey’s previous £120,000 contract at Welsh Fire.
Welsh Fire initially considered matching the offer for Willey but couldn’t because Trent Rockets chose Willey at the highest price bracket, having already filled their other top slots. Payne, who was seeking a better deal after joining Fire for £40,000 in the first draft back in 2019, benefited from this.
Harry Moore, a promising 17-year-old fast bowler from Derbyshire, was signed by Birmingham Phoenix for £41,500. Ben McKinney, a Durham batter, was rewarded for his good performances with England Lions by Manchester Originals, who picked him for £78,500. Rocky Flintoff, son of Andrew Flintoff, went undrafted.
