Roy gets late Hundred deal as wildcard draft looms

In a significant late development ahead of The Hundred’s highly anticipated season, former England white-ball sensation Jason Roy has secured a deal with Southern Brave, marking a dramatic return to the competition after initially being overlooked in this year’s main draft. The explosive opener, a cornerstone of England's 2019 World Cup triumph, will join the Brave as a wildcard pick, injecting a potent blend of experience and power-hitting into their formidable lineup just weeks before the tournament kicks off.

Roy's absence from the initial draft picks had raised eyebrows across the cricketing world. A period of inconsistent form over the past year saw him fall out of favour with the national setup, particularly in the ODI and T20 formats where he once reigned supreme. This dip in performance, combined with the emergence of new, exciting talent, meant that franchises opted for other options during the primary recruitment phase. However, the unique structure of The Hundred, which allows for wildcard selections closer to the tournament based on various factors including recent domestic form or tactical needs, has provided a lifeline for a player of Roy’s calibre. Southern Brave, known for their aggressive brand of cricket, clearly identified a crucial role for the Surrey star, recognizing that his match-winning potential, even amidst recent struggles, remains undeniable.