Sarah Taylor Announces Return To Cricket, Joins Welsh Fire In The Hundred

Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor is to return to professional cricket in the Hundred after putting her career on hold due to anxiety issues. Taylor, who will play for the Welsh Fire, took up c

Taylor, who won two World Cups with England, is unsure about whether she will wear the wicketkeeping gloves at the Welsh Fire, who also have Australia's Beth Mooney in their ranks.

The 31-year-old is relishing the opportunity to return to playing and said working alongside Australia captain Meg Lanning was an added bonus.

"The chance to be there in the first year of the Hundred is a little bit of a no-brainer, really," said Taylor.

"A draw for me was playing with Meg Lanning, that's always something that I've wanted to do for quite a few years. I'm fed up of fetching her balls rather than being at the non-striker's end.

"I can't wait to work with Beth Mooney, she's a great player. If I get a run around in the field I'm not actually going to complain because I do enjoy it. I'm just really looking forward to it."

The Hundred is aimed at attracting a fresh audience to cricket in order to safeguard its future but critics have questioned the need for yet another new format in a packed calendar.

The competition will launch with a women's fixture as Oval Invincibles host Manchester Originals on July 21, with the men's sides playing the following day.