The Hundred 2023: Chris Cooke roped in by Welsh Fire during Wildcard pick

Glamorgan wicketkeeper batter Chris Cooke has been picked up by Welsh Fire for the upcoming edition of The Hundred as a wildcard pick. Cooke was in imperious form in the recent T20 Blast where he registered the fastest century by a Glamorgan player against Middlesex which was also the sixth-fastest hundred of all time in the tournament.

The 37-year-old had a great outing in the entire tournament where he amassed 419 runs in 14 matches at an average of 38.09 and a strike rate of 171.02 with one hundred and one fifty to his name. He smacked 22 sixes and also inflicted eight dismissals behind the stumps. Talking about his selection, Cooke said that he’s absolutely thrilled to have been picked by Welsh Fire and stated that Wales has become his home now.

“I'm absolutely thrilled to have been picked up by Welsh Fire in the Vitality Wildcard draft. The opportunity to play at a packed Sophia Gardens fills me with excitement. It's a place I obviously know incredibly well through my domestic cricket with Glamorgan, and I feel that Wales has become my home now which makes me very proud to represent this team,” Cooke said in a statement by Glamorgan.

The full squad of Welsh Fire has been confirmed after the Wildcard selections in the men’s competition have been announced. Apart from Cooke, Sussex Batter Luke Wells was the other selection for Welsh. He will join the team being coached by former Australia cricketer Michael Hussey after excellent performances in the T20 format.

Welsh to kick off their Hundred 2023 campaign against Manchester Originals

Cooke will feel at home in the Cardiff-based side at Sophia Gardens, on the other hand, Wells will be making his debut in the tournament this year.

The third season of The Hundred will begin on August 01 with the opening game between Southern Brave and Trent Rockets in Nottingham. Welsh Fire will start their campaign against Manchester Originals on August 2 in Cardiff.