Jofra Archer returning to Southern Brave as Hundred teams reveal retained lists

Southern Brave, the men’s winners in the inaugural edition of The Hundred last year, have retained Jofra Archer for the second season as the England fast bowler prepares for his comeback this summer.

Archer missed the entirety of the 100-ball competition’s introductory campaign because of elbow trouble that necessitated a second round of surgery in December but he trained with England in the Caribbean last month.

While Archer’s absence did not hamper the Brave as they went all the way last summer, the Ageas Bowl-based club have kept hold of the 2019 World Cup winner although England all-rounder Liam Dawson has been released.

Tim David, the Singapore all-rounder who recently fetched a million-dollar bid at the Indian Premier League auction, remains in the Brave’s squad and is one of just seven male overseas players in the retention list.

Teams had the option of retaining anyone who had originally been contracted, even if they pulled out last year, meaning Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell stays with London Spirit, whose bottom-place finish in 2021 dictates they get the first draft pick to fill the remaining slots on March 30.

Despite propping up the table, the Lord’s-based Spirit have only six vacancies to fill among their 16-strong squad as most sides elected to stick with their tried and trusted, with over 150 men’s and women’s players retained.

England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan, who skippered the Spirit last year, said: “The first year of The Hundred was a huge success. We saw quality cricket in front of incredible crowds.

“We are delighted to have the first pick in the draft. We hope to add strength and depth to our squad. We can’t wait to see who’s available to snap up.”

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