LONDON — Former England opener Jason Roy has secured a late deal to play for Southern Brave in The Hundred after initially going unsold in this year’s draft, marking a dramatic turn of events for the explosive batter ahead of the tournament’s fourth edition.
Roy’s Unexpected Return to The Hundred
Roy, a key figure in England’s 2019 World Cup-winning squad, was surprisingly overlooked during February’s draft, leaving his participation in the 2024 tournament in doubt. However, Southern Brave—the defending men’s champions—moved swiftly to sign the 33-year-old as a wildcard replacement for West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. "It’s fantastic to have Jason join us," said Southern Brave head coach James Franklin. "His experience and firepower at the top will be invaluable."
The wildcard signing period, which opened on June 1, allows teams to replace unavailable players ahead of the tournament starting July 23. Roy’s inclusion adds star power to a Brave squad already featuring Jofra Archer, Leus du Plooy, and England white-ball captain Jos Buttler. His aggressive batting style aligns perfectly with The Hundred’s fast-paced format, where he averages 25.14 at a strike rate of 143.76 across three seasons.
Why Roy Missed Out in the Draft
Roy’s omission from the initial draft raised eyebrows, given his pedigree in short-form cricket. Analysts cited several factors:
- Salary demands: Roy’s £100,000 reserve price may have deterred teams with tighter budgets.
- Recent form: A modest 2023 season with Oval Invincibles (134 runs at 19.14).
- Competition for spots: Teams prioritized younger talents like Phil Salt (Manchester Originals) and Will Jacks (Oval Invincibles).
However, Roy’s blistering form in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Quetta Gladiators—319 runs at 159.50—reaffirmed his T20 prowess. "I’ve never doubted my ability," Roy told Sky Sports. "This is a fresh start, and I’m ready to prove myself again."
Southern Brave’s Title Defense Boost
Roy’s signing strengthens Southern Brave’s bid to retain their men’s title. The team struggled in the early stages of the 2023 tournament before a late surge propelled them to victory. With Roy opening alongside Buttler, the Brave now boast one of the most feared top orders in the competition.
"Jason brings X-factor," said teammate Tymal Mills. "When he’s on, he can win games single-handedly. That’s exactly what we need in tight situations." The Brave’s first match is against Welsh Fire on July 24 at the Ageas Bowl, where Roy’s explosive batting could set the tone for their campaign.
Impact on England’s T20 World Cup Plans
Roy’s late inclusion also reignites discussions about his international future. Despite being left out of England’s T20 World Cup squad, strong performances in The Hundred could pressure selectors ahead of the 2026 tournament. National selector Luke Wright recently emphasized that "the door is never closed" for proven performers.
The Hundred’s Growing Appeal
Roy’s signing underscores The Hundred’s ability to attract top-tier talent, even post-draft. Other notable wildcard pickups include:
- Rashid Khan (Trent Rockets, replacing Nathan Ellis)
- Heinrich Klaasen (Oval Invincibles, replacing Ihsanullah)
- Naseem Shah (Birmingham Phoenix, replacing Adam Milne)
The tournament’s blend of international stars and domestic players continues to draw crowds, with 2023’s attendance surpassing 500,000 for the first time. ECB chief executive Richard Gould noted, "The Hundred is now a cornerstone of our summer calendar, and signings like Jason’s amplify its excitement."
What’s Next for Roy?
Roy will join Southern Brave after concluding his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Though he played just two matches for KKR, his focus now shifts to making an immediate impact in The Hundred. "I’m hungry to contribute," he said. "Winning trophies is what drives me."
With The Hundred’s draft system ensuring constant roster evolution, Roy’s journey from omission to wildcard signing epitomizes the league’s dynamic nature. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on whether this late twist reignites the career of one of England’s most explosive openers.