Southern Brave retain Jofra Archer for 2021 Hundred – but lose another England star to Welsh Fire

England pace bowler Archer and West Indies captain Taylor had been due to play for the Ageas Bowl-based Brave in this summer’s tournament prior to the pandemic forcing its postponement.

England batsman Ollie Pope has left Brave, though, to sign for Cardiff-based Welsh Fire instead.

In another switch from the 2020 drafts, London Spirit have selected Zak Crawley as their England centrally contracted pick ahead of Rory Burns, who is on his way to Oval Invincibles.

All eight of the Hundred franchises are guaranteed at least one playerl who holds a Test deal, and six of the eight stuck with their initial selection.

However, Jonny Bairstow dropping off the England and Wales Cricket Board list of red-ball contracts left Fire needing a replacement – and they have plumped for Pope.

England opener Dom Sibley, who alongside Crawley and Pope were handed a red-ball deal for the first time in their careers last week, will link up with Chris Woakes at Birmingham Phoenix.

Today’s announcement marks the start of a three-month window running until the end of January in which the teams can retain their players from their original squad.

Another draft will be held in early 2021 for the remaining players.

The women’s competition has a simpler process as players can roll over their deals on their existing terms or enter into market negotiations – and eight high-profile internationals have chosen the former option.

Heather Knight is conspicuous by her absence on the list – with West Indies opener Deandra Dottin the player agreeing to be retained by London Spirit – although that is no indicator of the England captain’s intentions.

Retained players

Birmingham Phoenix – Amy Jones, Dom Sibley and Chris Woakes.

London Spirit – Zak Crawley and Deandra Dottin.

Manchester Originals – Jos Buttler and Kate Cross.

Northern Superchargers – Ben Stokes and Lauren Winfield-Hill.

Oval Invincibles – Rory Burns, Sam Curran and Fran Wilson.

Southern Brave – Jofra Archer and Stafanie Taylor.

Trent Rockets – Joe Root and Nat Sciver.

Welsh Fire – Katie George and Ollie Pope.