The Welsh Fire have named Australian batsman Steve Smith captain for The Hundred – the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new limited-overs tournament.

Kirsten was named head coach of the Welsh franchise last year. Former Proteas batsman Colin Ingram is in the Fire squad, alongside England batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton, Australian seamer Mitchell Starc and others.

‘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,’ said Kirsten.

Former Australian captain Smith is involved in the ongoing tour of South Africa, which features three T20Is and as many ODIs.

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‘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,’ he added.

‘Tom is one of the most exciting young players in the world right now and Starc brings the X factor with the ball, so we’re looking to put on an amazing show for the fans in Cardiff.’

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