Australia batter Steve Smith will play for Welsh Fire in the Hundred this summer.

Smith is the Cardiff-based franchise's first 'direct signing', joining on deadline day prior to the Hundred Draft on Wednesday, 12 March.

The 35-year-old was initially signed to Fire for the planned first year of The Hundred before it was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

He will join a squad which includes Tom Abell and Jonny Bairstow and is coached by fellow Australian Mike Hussey.

Smith recently became the fourth Australian player to reach 10,000 Test runs for his nation. 

He said in a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board: "I'm delighted to be joining Welsh Fire later this summer.

"I was due to be involved with The Hundred at the beginning of the competition, so it's great to finally be able to make it to Wales.

"I've watched The Hundred from afar and I can't wait to be involved. It looks a lot of fun and obviously the cricket is world class, with talent in every team.

"I'm looking forward to trying out a new format and hopefully playing my part for (head coach) Mike Hussey and the rest of the boys."

The Hundred begins on 5 August, returning to Cardiff for its fifth year on 9 August, with the double-header visit of London Spirit.

OFFICIAL: Steve Smith will be at Sophia Gardens this summer

Smith joins Welsh Fire Men with Bairstow and captain Abell extending their stay

Welsh Fire Women retain skipper Tammy Beaumont and the overseas trio of Matthews, Jonassen and Ismail

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— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) February 25, 2025

Ben Stokes, meanwhile, is set to miss this year's Hundred after not being included in the Northern Superchargers squad as retained players and new signings were announced on Tuesday.

It had been reported that England Test captain Stokes would not participate in the tournament with his fitness and the forthcoming Ashes in Australia in mind.

He tore his hamstring during England's tour of New Zealand in December, having only just recovered from the same injury that he suffered playing for the Superchargers in August.

The injury required surgery, and he was ruled out for at least three months.

England's next Test is not until they face Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May, but Stokes is aiming to be fit for the beginning of the County Championship season in April.

The team then have a five-match home Test series against India which is scheduled to conclude the day before the start of the Hundred.