Australian superstar Steve Smith will captain the new Welsh Fire team in The Hundred this summer, it has been announced.
Smith was stripped of the captaincy by his country and served a 12-month ban over the Australian ball-tampering scandal in March 2018.
But he made a successful playing return to the Test arena with a century in each innings as an Australian side led by Tim Paine beat England at Edgbaston in August.
Welsh Fire officials believe Smith's vast experience of leadership at international level will hold their Cardiff-based squad in good stead as they take part in the new competition which will wow the cricket world.
Smith will lead fellow countryman Mitchell Starc and England stars Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton in a squad that features incredible firepower with bat and ball.
World Cup star Liam Plunkett brings more pace to Fire’s attack.
Smith said: “It’s an honour to be asked to captain Welsh Fire in the first year of The Hundred. Our squad looks super strong with a great group of players who've dominated the international and domestic scenes for the past few years.
“Tom Banton is one of the most exciting young players in the world and Mitchell Starc brings the X-factor with the ball, so we’re looking to put on an amazing show for the fans in Cardiff.”
Welsh Fire coach Gary Kirsten said: “Steve’s knowledge and experience of leading teams in pressurised situations will definitely help us in this first season of The Hundred.
“He’s got a track record of getting the best out of his players while performing to a very high standard himself, which will be key for us this summer.”
Smith will lead Welsh Fire in the competition’s opening fixture against Oval Invincibles at the Kia Oval on Friday July 17.
The Hundred is an action-packed new 100-ball cricket competition that takes place in the summer and aims to grow the game.
