Table of Contents
With the fifth season of The Hundred Women just months away, the women’s competition is already heating up following the Deadline Day for direct signings on February 25, 2025. The new rule allowing each team to secure one overseas player ahead of the official draft has given fans a preview of the star power set to grace the tournament, which kicks off on August 5, 2025. While some teams have swooped in to snag global superstars, others have doubled down on continuity, setting the stage for a fascinating squad-building phase as the draft looms on March 12, 2025.
Southern Brave bolster batting with Laura Wolvaardt
Southern Brave wasted no time in making their move, securing South African batting sensation Laura Wolvaardt as their direct signing. Wolvaardt, known for her elegant stroke play and ability to anchor innings, joins a formidable batting lineup that already boasts retained stars Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Maia Bouchier. After reaching the final in 2024, only to fall short against Oval Invincibles, Brave are clearly aiming to go one better this year. Wolvaardt’s consistency—she was among the top run-scorers in the Women’s Big Bash League this season—makes her a perfect fit for a team looking to dominate with the bat once again.
Manchester Originals snap up Amelia Kerr’s all-round brilliance
Over at Manchester Originals, the addition of New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr signals intent to build a squad capable of challenging the best. Kerr, a leg-spinning all-rounder with a knack for turning games with both bat and ball, joins a side featuring retained overseas ace Beth Mooney and England’s spin queen Sophie Ecclestone. Originals have struggled to find consistency in past seasons, but Kerr’s versatility could be the missing piece. Her recent performances for New Zealand and in domestic leagues worldwide underline why she’s one of the most sought-after players in the game.
Oval Invincibles add Meg Lanning’s winning pedigree
The defending champions, Oval Invincibles, have pulled off a coup by signing former Australian captain Meg Lanning as their direct overseas pick. Lanning, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in women’s cricket history, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to a team already brimming with talent. Retained stars like Marizanne Kapp and Alice Capsey will relish playing alongside a player who has lifted multiple World Cup trophies. After their triumphant 2024 campaign, Invincibles are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to defend the title, and Lanning’s arrival only strengthens their aura of invincibility.
Also READ: 10 lesser-known facts about New Zealand’s supremely talented all-rounder, Amelia Kerr
Complete list of retained players and direct signings for The Hundred Women’s 2025
- Birmingham Phoenix: Ellyse Perry, Amy Jones, Emily Arlott, Megan Schutt, Hannah Baker, Charis Pavely, Sterre Kalis, Ailsa Lister
- London Spirit: Grace Harris, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, Deepti Sharma, Georgia Redmayne, Eva Gray, Cordelia Griffith, Tara Norris, Sophie Munro
- Manchester Originals: Amelia Kerr, Sophie Ecclestone, Beth Mooney, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Evelyn Jones, Kathryn Bryce, Fi Morris, Danielle Gregory
- Northern Superchargers: Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Kate Cross, Bess Heath, Linsey Smith, Hollie Armitage, Alice Davidson-Richards, Grace Ballinger, Davina Perrin
- Oval Invincibles: Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Meg Lanning, Tash Farrant, Ryana Macdonald-Gay, Sophia Smale, Jo Gardner, Rachel Slater
- Southern Brave: Laura Wolvaardt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Lauren Bell, Freya Kemp, Georgia Adams, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Rhianna Southby
- Trent Rockets: Ash Gardner, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alana King, Heather Graham, Bryony Smith, Grace Scrivens, Kirstie Gordon, Alexa Stonehouse, Natasha Wraith, Cassidy McCarthy
- Welsh Fire: Hayley Matthews, Tammy Beaumont, Jessica Jonassen, Shabnim Ismail, Sarah Bryce, Georgia Elwiss, Freya Davies, Georgia Davis, Emily Windsor, Beth Langston
The direct signings have set the tone, but the real drama is still to come. With the draft scheduled for March 12, 2025, teams will finalize their squads, filling the remaining slots with a mix of overseas and domestic talent.
