LONDON — The player carousel for the 2026 season of The Hundred has begun to spin with significant momentum, as four prominent England internationals have secured high-profile moves to new franchises. In a series of announcements that have reshaped team dynamics ahead of the next draft, explosive opener Phil Salt headlines the moves by signing for Welsh Fire as their new men’s team captain.
Salt’s acquisition is part of a major double signing for the Cardiff-based side, who have also secured the services of England’s World Cup-winning spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, for their women’s team. Meanwhile, England Test star Ben Duckett has joined Trent Rockets, Sophia Dunkley has moved to Birmingham Phoenix, and seamer Lauren Filer has also signed with the Phoenix women’s squad, marking a strategic reshuffle of English talent across the competition.
Salt Ignites Welsh Fire as New Leader
The most significant move sees Phil Salt, one of the most sought-after T20 batters in the world, take on the captaincy at Welsh Fire. The Fire, who finished at the bottom of the men’s table in 2024, are banking on Salt’s aggressive leadership and blistering powerplay batting to ignite a dramatic turnaround. Salt expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, stating, "I’m thrilled to be joining Welsh Fire and to be named captain. It’s a fantastic opportunity to help build something special in Cardiff."
Salt’s record in The Hundred is formidable. In the 2024 season, playing for Manchester Originals, he was the competition’s second-highest run-scorer with 353 runs at a staggering strike rate of 171. His move, as a direct replacement for the departed Jonny Bairstow, immediately addresses the Fire’s need for a top-order anchor and finisher. The Fire’s head coach, Mike Hussey, was unequivocal about the signing’s importance: "Phil is a world-class player who changes games. His attitude and style of play are exactly what we need to drive this team forward."
Duckett Bolsters Rockets' Left-Handed Flair
In another major shift, England’s inventive left-hander Ben Duckett will trade the Birmingham Phoenix for the Trent Rockets. Duckett, a key component of England’s Test top-order, brings a unique skillset to the Nottingham-based side, renowned for his ability to score 360 degrees against both pace and spin. His move fills a vacancy created by Dawid Malan’s departure and adds further depth to a Rockets batting line-up that already boasts the power of Joe Root and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
Trent Rockets’ coach, Stephen Fleming, highlighted the strategic thinking behind the acquisition: "Ben is a phenomenal talent who offers us flexibility and firepower at the top of the order. His experience in pressure situations for England will be invaluable in our quest for the title." Duckett’s adaptability is expected to be a key asset, allowing him to either launch the innings or provide stability in the middle phase, a role he has perfected in the international arena.
Phoenix Secure Dunkley and Filer for Women's Squad
The Birmingham Phoenix women’s team have been particularly active, securing two England internationals to strengthen their squad for 2026. The signing of batter Sophia Dunkley, from the London Spirit, is a statement of intent. Dunkley, a powerful striker of the ball, is looking to rediscover her best form and provides the Phoenix with a dynamic option in their top order.
Perhaps the most intriguing signing is that of young seamer Lauren Filer, who joins from the Welsh Fire. Filer announced herself on the international stage with her raw pace and wicket-taking ability during the 2023 Women’s Ashes. Her inclusion adds genuine firepower to the Phoenix bowling attack. Phoenix coach, Ben Sawyer, outlined his excitement: "Lauren is an X-factor bowler with genuine speed. She can take wickets in clusters and change the momentum of an innings, which is gold dust in this format."
The Phoenix’s strategic approach for 2026 appears focused on balancing experience with explosive match-winners. Their recent signings reflect a clear plan to build a squad capable of challenging for honours after a mixed 2024 campaign. The key attributes Dunkley and Filer bring to the squad include:
- Power-Hitting Depth: Dunkley’s ability to clear the ropes from the get-go.
- Pace and Penetration: Filer’s point-of-difference speed and bounce.
- International Pedigree: Proven performers on the biggest stages.
- Youthful Energy: Both players are entering their prime years.
Strategic Reshuffle and Broader Implications
These early signings, made outside of the draft process as teams secure their "retained" and "pre-signed" players, signal a period of strategic repositioning for several franchises. The Hundred’s roster rules, which limit the number of high-salary "£125k" players, force teams into difficult decisions, often leading to high-profile departures like Bairstow’s from the Fire or Malan’s from the Rockets. The moves of Salt, Duckett, Dunkley, and Filer demonstrate how teams are actively addressing specific weaknesses:
Welsh Fire sought leadership and top-order explosiveness, finding it in Salt. Trent Rockets prioritized inventive stroke-play to complement their existing anchors. Birmingham Phoenix invested in high-ceiling, game-changing talent for their women’s team to build around core players like Amy Jones and Issy Wong.
The announcements also underscore the growing stature of The Hundred as a destination for England’s central contracted players, who are increasingly viewing the competition as a critical part of their annual calendar. With several other star names yet to confirm their teams for 2026, the landscape remains fluid. Further dominoes are expected to fall, particularly around the futures of other England World Cup winners and established T20 globetrotters.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
While the 2026 season may seem distant, these early moves set a compelling narrative. Welsh Fire, with Salt at the helm and the legendary Ecclestone leading their women’s attack, will aim to rise from the ashes of previous campaigns. Trent Rockets, bolstered by Duckett’s flair, will believe they have the batting arsenal to go one better than their 2024 final appearance. Birmingham Phoenix’s women’s team, with the dual injection of Dunkley’s batting and Filer’s bowling, have positioned themselves as a squad with tremendous potential.
The player movement confirms that The Hundred’s off-season is as dynamic and strategic as the on-field action. As franchises jockey for position nearly two years out, the commitment to building competitive and entertaining squads is clear. The focus now shifts to the upcoming draft, where teams will look to fill the remaining gaps around these new cornerstone signings. One thing is certain: the battle lines for the 2026 Hundred title are already being drawn.