As the excitement builds for the 2025 edition of The Hundred, the Southern Brave will open their campaign against Manchester Originals in what promises to be another blockbuster clash. With a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging domestic talent, the Brave will be looking to make a strong statement. Ahead of this crucial clash, we take a closer look at the possible playing XI the Brave might field as they aim to begin their season on a winning note.
Laura Wolvaardt
While playing for Manchester Originals, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt scored 215 runs, averaging nearly 36 with a strike rate of 135. She will be looking to carry that form into her new stint with Southern Brave. Having looked in decent touch in South African colours recently, she will aim to maintain her white-ball form in the upcoming season of The Hundred and play a key role in Southern Brave’s push for a second title.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Senior England top-order batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge scored 227 runs for Southern Brave in the previous season, including two half-centuries. While the campaign was largely forgettable for the club, the seasoned campaigner showed glimpses of her best form. She also regained confidence in the latter stages of the T20I series against India, finishing strongly in the final three matches. Having tasted success with Southern Brave in 2023, Wyatt-Hodge will be eager to replicate that performance as the club mounts a strong challenge for the title.
Sophie Devine
The experienced captain of the White Ferns is widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the history of the game. Her legacy goes beyond the numbers and lies in the impact she creates for any team she represents. Although her stats in The Hundred may not fully reflect her capabilities, she will be eager to make a mark with both bat and ball this season for her new team. At the top of the order, she has the ability to shift the momentum of a match, which is especially valuable in a fast-paced format like The Hundred. With the ball, she bowls tight lines, builds pressure, and often picks up crucial wickets in the middle and death overs. Her contributions will be vital for Southern Brave’s title ambitions.
Maia Bouchier
English middle-order batter Maia Bouchier has been a consistent performer for Southern Brave, having played 34 matches for the franchise. She has scored 564 runs so far, maintaining a strike rate close to 132. Her standout season came during the club’s title-winning campaign, where she contributed 268 runs and played a key role in Brave’s success. Bouchier has also been in good touch in domestic cricket while representing Hampshire and will be looking to carry that form into The Hundred as she aims to make a strong impact with the bat once again.
Chloe Tryon
South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon can be a dependable addition to the squad. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a valuable asset in the team’s pursuit of success. In her previous season of The Hundred, she scored 191 runs at an impressive strike rate of 136, showcasing her ability to score quickly in the middle order. With the ball, Tryon’s accuracy and control allow her to bowl tight spells that restrict scoring and build pressure on the opposition. Her all-round capabilities bring balance to the side, and she will be looking to make an impact in both departments this season.
Freya Kemp
At just 20 years old, Freya Kemp has already made 30 appearances for the senior England national team. In her T20I career, she has scored 145 runs at an impressive strike rate of 130 and has also picked up 21 wickets with her left-arm pace. She has been in good touch with the bat in recent domestic matches, further boosting her all-round credentials. Additionally, having a left-arm fast bowler adds valuable variety to any bowling attack, and Kemp’s inclusion gives the club a different and potentially game-changing option.
Mady Villiers
This off-spinner, who can also contribute with the bat down the order, provides the skipper with valuable flexibility in a fast-paced tournament like The Hundred. She has taken 20 wickets in her Hundred career while maintaining an economy rate under 8, highlighting her disciplined and effective bowling. With a strike rate of over 100, she also has the potential to chip in with useful runs when needed, making her a handy all-round option and a key asset in the squad’s balance.
Rhianna Southby
Southern Brave has two wicket keeping options in Rhianna Southby and Amara Carr. The franchise may lean towards Southby, who has been in decent batting form in recent domestic matches. With the gloves, she has registered 14 dismissals behind the stumps in the Hundred, showcasing her reliability. Her recent performances with the bat could give her the edge over her more experienced counterpart.
Josie Groves
Josie Groves is an emerging talent who currently represents The Blaze in domestic cricket. She plays as a right-arm leg-break bowler and offers variety to the bowling attack, which is increasingly important in the T20 format. With the growing value of wrist spinners, she could be in line for selection at her new Hundred franchise. Groves has taken 47 wickets in her domestic T20 career so far and will be aiming to replicate that success on the bigger stage.
Lauren Bell
Lauren Bell is currently one of the leading pacers in the English national team setup. She has consistently taken wickets with the new ball and at the death, using her cutters and slower deliveries to great effect. In England’s recent series, she was a standout performer in an otherwise disappointing campaign, picking up six wickets. Bell has claimed 41 wickets in just 32 matches in The Hundred, including two four-wicket hauls, while maintaining an economy rate under 8. As a senior international bowler, she is likely to take charge of the bowling attack this season.
Phoebe Graham
A seasoned domestic player, Graham can provide crucial breakthroughs with the new ball. Her disciplined bowling makes her a valuable addition to the squad. She has also been consistently picking up wickets in the Women’s T20 Blast, which strengthens her chances of being selected in the playing XI.
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