David Warner among international stars hoping to land Hundred draft pick

Australia’s David Warner has put his name forward for the second season of The Hundred, hoping to land a top-tier draft pick alongside the likes of Pakistan’s Babar Azam and West Indian star Chris Gayle.

Warner, who pulled out of a deal with Southern Brave in last year’s launch tournament due to travel difficulties surrounding Covid-19, is one of eight overseas stars who has set their reserve at the maximum £125,000 level.

He is also the highest profile Australian, with compatriots such as Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood not included on a long list of hopefuls totalling 534.

The men’s draft is taking place behind closed doors on April 4, having originally been a live televised event 2019, with deals announced the following day. Signings for the women’s edition will also be revealed.

A total of 42 places need to be filled in the men’s competition, including 11 in the £125,000 bracket.

Among English talent there are 21 capped internationals looking for a deal, including recent Test debutants Alex Lees and Matthew Fisher as well as Tom Banton, Liam Dawson and Olly Stone.

London Spirit, who finished bottom last year, have the first draft pick as a result. England’s World Cup winning coach Trevor Bayliss is understood to be taking charge of the team following the death of Shane Warne, reprising his successful partnership with England one-day captain Eoin Morgan.

:: £125,000 reserves: Babar Azam (Pak), C Gayle (WI), M Marsh (Aus), S Narine (WI), K Pollard (WI), T Shamsi (SA), D Warner.
:: £100,000 reserves: Shakib-al-Hasan (Ban), Q de Kock (SA), J Richardson (Aus), A Russell (WI).
:: Domestic reserves: J Clarke £60,000, A Wheater £50,000, J Denly £40,000, W Rhodes £40,000.
:: Selected domestic unreserved: T Banton, D Bess, D Briggs, P Brown, J Clark, L Dawson, L Evans, S Hain, T Kohler-Cadmore, D Rawlins, D Moriarty, J Thompson, L Wright.