London Spirit have moved decisively in shaping their squads for the 2026 edition of The Hundred, announcing a raft of new signings that strengthen both their men’s and women’s teams. Among the most notable arrivals are England internationals Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton and Charlie Dean, highlighting the franchise’s intent to compete strongly in the upcoming season.
Based at Lord’s, London Spirit confirmed eight additions overall, combining proven international experience with exciting talent. In the men’s squad, Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa and South Africa’s explosive young batter Dewald Brevis are headline overseas signings, while Livingstone and Overton add power and versatility to the English core.
Brevis, just 22 years old, will be making his debut in The Hundred but arrives with a growing reputation as one of world cricket’s most destructive T20 batters. He holds the record for South Africa’s highest individual T20 score, having blasted 161 from only 57 balls in the CSA T20 Challenge in 2022. His ability to dominate bowling attacks makes him an intriguing prospect in the unique 100-ball format.
Livingstone joins Spirit from Birmingham Phoenix, where he enjoyed huge success earlier in the competition’s history. He was named men’s player of the tournament in 2021 after producing match-winning performances with both bat and ball. His move adds firepower and flexibility to Spirit’s middle order, while his experience in pressure situations will be invaluable.
Jamie Overton, meanwhile, continues his journey with London Spirit after impressing in the 2025 season. The fast-bowling all-rounder finished as Spirit’s leading wicket-taker last year and will be keen to build on that momentum. His pace and bounce make him a dangerous option on English pitches, especially in short-format cricket.
Adam Zampa’s arrival further bolsters Spirit’s bowling attack. The Australian leg-spinner boasts an outstanding record in The Hundred, having taken 30 wickets at an average of just 13.13. No bowler in the competition’s history has claimed more wickets at a lower average, underlining his effectiveness in the format. His ability to control games through the middle overs could prove crucial.
The women’s side has also seen significant reinforcements. Charlie Dean returns to the franchise alongside Australia’s Grace Harris, both of whom remain popular figures among Spirit supporters. England seamer Mahika Gaur has been added to the squad, while South African great Marizanne Kapp joins from Oval Invincibles.
Kapp, now 36, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in The Hundred. During her time with Oval Invincibles, she played a pivotal role in their success and was named player of the match in the 2022 final. Across the competition, she has taken 46 wickets, the fourth-highest total in its history, highlighting her consistency and impact.
London Spirit’s women’s team will be led by Jon Lewis, the former England head coach, who expressed his excitement about the calibre of players joining the squad. Lewis praised the blend of returning favourites and new signings, noting that Dean and Harris bring familiarity and fan connection, while Gaur and Kapp add depth, skill and leadership to the bowling unit.
The changes come in a season where The Hundred has introduced a new mechanism allowing teams to directly sign or retain up to four players ahead of the auction. This adjustment gives franchises greater control over squad planning before the auction, which is scheduled to take place in March.
Elsewhere across the competition, other teams have also confirmed key signings and retentions. Southern Brave have retained England fast bowler Jofra Archer, ensuring they keep one of the competition’s most exciting pace talents. They have also signed wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who featured for London Spirit last season.
Southern Brave’s women’s side remains strong, with England seamer Lauren Bell continuing her association with the team. Bell is currently impressing in the Women’s Premier League in India, while fellow England batter Maia Bouchier also stays with the 2023 champions.
Trent Rockets completed their list of direct signings by bringing in New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner and Australian seamer Kim Garth. Santner, 33, has amassed more than 250 wickets in short-format cricket at an average below 24 and has served as New Zealand’s white-ball captain since December 2024. His calm leadership and control with the ball add balance to the Rockets’ lineup.
Kim Garth, 29, returns to The Hundred for a second stint after previously representing Manchester Originals, now known as Manchester Super Giants, during the 2024 season. Her experience in international cricket and familiarity with English conditions make her a valuable addition.
Across the league, squads are beginning to take shape as teams combine established stars with emerging talent. Birmingham Phoenix’s men have secured Rehan Ahmed, Jacob Bethell and Mitchell Owen, while their women’s side features Alice Capsey, Lauren Filer and Ellyse Perry.
Manchester Super Giants boast a formidable men’s lineup including Jos Buttler, Heinrich Klaasen and spin sensation Noor Ahmad, while their women’s team includes global stars such as Meg Lanning, Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Ecclestone.
MI London continue to assemble a star-studded roster, with Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Rashid Khan and Nicholas Pooran in the men’s team, alongside Melie Kerr, Hayley Matthews and Danni Wyatt-Hodge on the women’s side.
Sunrisers Leeds have secured England captain Harry Brook and all-rounder Mitch Marsh for the men, while their women’s squad features Annabel Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield and Kate Cross.
Welsh Fire and Trent Rockets have also made notable moves, ensuring competitive balance across the league as anticipation builds for the 2026 season.
With the introduction of direct signings and a busy auction ahead, The Hundred continues to evolve, and London Spirit’s aggressive recruitment suggests they are determined to be among the front-runners. The blend of international stars, experienced campaigners and rising talent across both squads promises an exciting campaign for supporters at Lord’s and beyond.
🔗 Read more cricket news: https://netsports247.com
