The Hundred 2025, scheduled to begin on 5th August 2025, with the final to be held on 31st August 2025, is less than a month away, and the anticipation has been turned up a notch following the confirmation of the Wildcard picks.
As 32 players across both the Men’s and Women’s competitions found themselves drafted into the action-packed final squads, sixteen promising domestic talents in the Women’s bracket have earned their shot at the highest level of franchise cricket this summer. From emerging seamers to seasoned campaigners, the Wildcard selections reflect the growing depth and profile of the women’s game.
Birmingham Phoenix: Mary Taylor and Phoebe Brett
After a string of underwhelming campaigns, Birmingham Phoenix appears determined to revitalise their squad. This year’s Wildcard inclusions, Mary Taylor and Phoebe Brett, could infuse fresh energy into a side desperate to climb up the points table. Taylor, a dynamic all-rounder with pace and power, and Brett, known for her tidy off-spin, will have the opportunity to complement a side that showed glimpses of promise in 2024 but ended seventh on the table with just three wins.
Phoenix, whose best finish came in the inaugural season in 2021 when they reached the Eliminator, have struggled to replicate that early success. With Taylor and Brett in the ranks, there’s hope that 2025 could be the turning point in their evolution.
London Spirit: Abi Norgrove and Kate Coppack
Fresh off their historic maiden title in the Women’s Hundred last season, the London Spirit have added further firepower to their title-defending squad. By drafting in Wales’ batting talent Abi Norgrove and seasoned seamer Kate Coppack, Spirit have added both youth and experience to their roster. Norgrove brings flair and innovation at the top, while Coppack offers much-needed bowling depth.
With Charlie Dean named skipper in the absence of their regular skipper, Heather Knight, and the momentum of a championship-winning campaign behind them, Spirit, who won four games and tied one on their way to lifting the silverware in 2024, look poised to mount a credible title defence.
Manchester Originals: Esmae Macgregor and Darcey Carter
One of the most exciting additions of this year’s Wildcard Draft is Esmae Macgregor, the leading wicket-taker in the 2025 Women’s T20 Blast competition, with 21 wickets at an average of 13.38 in 11 innings with the ball for her side, Essex, in the competition. Her selection comes as no surprise as the Manchester Originals look to shore up a bowling unit that lacked penetration last season. Joining Macgregor is batting prospect Darcey Carter, a promising all-rounder known for her composure under pressure.
After multiple seasons languishing in the lower half of the table, including a sixth-place finish in 2024, the Originals are banking on these young additions to spark a competitive revival in 2025.
Northern Superchargers: Katherine Fraser and Sophia Turner
Under the watchful eye of head coach Lisa Keightley, Northern Superchargers have consistently flirted with contention and were runners-up in 2023. Their 2024 campaign, where they managed a tied game and three wins on their way to fourth place, showcased both potential and inconsistency.
Their Wildcard picks reflect well-considered strategic reinforcement. Scotland’s Katherine Fraser, a sharp off-spinning all-rounder, brings international experience, while Sophia Turner, an energetic fast bowler, adds bowling variety to complement a strong pace attack. These additions could be crucial as the Superchargers aim to recapture their 2023 form and mount another title challenge.
Oval Invincibles: Daisy Gibb and Rebecca Odgers
The most successful team in the history of the Women’s Hundred, Oval Invincibles, are once again targeting glory after narrowly missing out last year in the Eliminator. This year, they’ve opted to bolster their squad with Home Counties duo Daisy Gibb and Rebecca Odgers, two players who have been the cornerstone of their county teams.
Odgers, a dependable opening batter with fearless stroke play and Daisy Gibb, a promising pacer, offer depth in both batting and bowling. The Invincibles’ knack for nurturing young stars could see this pair become breakout performers this August.
Southern Brave: Phoebe Turner and Amara Carr
Southern Brave’s steep fall from champions in 2023 to wooden spoon holders in 2024 was one of last season’s biggest shocks. As the franchise seeks a swift resurgence, their Wildcard picks of Phoebe Turner and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Amara Carr bring clarity to their intent.
Turner, a fluent stroke-maker and a genuine wicket-taker, sparks strength in the lower-order while Carr lends stability and leadership behind the stumps. After managing just one win from eight matches last year, Brave will be hopeful that this duo can help reignite a winning culture under pressure.
Trent Rockets: Grace Thompson and Sophie Morris
Trent Rockets have been trending upward in recent seasons, and their balanced campaign last year (4 wins, 4 losses) positions them well for a deeper run in 2025. Their Wildcard picks reflect a focus on all-round potential.
Grace Thompson has turned heads with her sharp off-spin and lower-order capabilities, while Sophie Morris, a crafty left-arm spinner, is one of the most promising young talents with the ball this season. These two could prove to be shrewd additions in a competitive middle-tier race.
Welsh Fire: Charley Phillips and Alex Griffiths
Runners-up for two consecutive editions, Welsh Fire have embraced homegrown potential with their Wildcard selections this year. Glamorgan stalwart Alex Griffiths returns to the squad with her all-round abilities, while Charley Phillips, an electric pacer, will look to bring fire with the ball in the Powerplay.
Having finished top of the points table in both 2023 and 2024, only to stumble at the final hurdle, Fire are determined to go one better. With their Wildcards solidifying an already robust squad, this could finally be the year the Flames burn brightest.
A Vital Platform for Emerging Stars
The Vitality Wildcard Draft remains a vital avenue for unheralded talents to break into the elite T20 landscape. This year’s women’s picks highlight the growing competitiveness of England’s domestic game and the tournament’s dedication to balancing performance, potential, and gender parity.
With less than a month to go, all eyes turn to 5th August, when eight revamped squads will take the field for a new chapter in the Women’s Hundred. The Wildcards have been drawn, and with them come new stories ready to be written.
