Devon Conway and Quinton de Kock have signed for the Southern Braves as overseas replacements for Marcus Stoinis and David Warner for the Hundred's inaugural season.
This news for Conway has been unbelievable for a few months. The New Zealand batsman made his international debut only in November but has already scored a double century on his Test debut at Lord's. With an ODI average of 75 and a T20I average of 59, he also has a game for limited-overs cricket and is set to become a regular feature on the franchise circuit. He is also signed to play two LV=Insurance County Championship matches and a few T20 Blast games for Somerset, starting shortly after the World Test Championship final.
But adding de Kock is more important. The South African Test captain is unquestionably one of the most exciting players in the world at the moment and at a time when a hundred players are surrounded by a comeback, his signature is a real boost to the pulling power of the competition. After working with him at the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, he will be reunited with Mahela Jayawardene, the head coach of Southern Brave Men's.
"I can't wait to go with the Southern Brave," de Kock said. "I'm also really excited to be working with Mahela again. Hopefully we'll have a lot of fans to support us and we can give them something to cheer about."
As revealed by ESPNcricinfo, Stoinis and Warner withdrew due to conflicting schedules and travel challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"While we are disappointed that David Warner and Marcus Stoinis will not be available for our men's team, we are pleased to welcome both Devon and Quinton to the team," said Southern Brave general manager Giles White. "They are both quality cricketers who will add strength and enthusiasm to us at the top of the order."
"I am ready to exit The Hundred at this stage," Warner said. "I was really excited to be a part of it. However, with the current restrictions and sporting schedule, I need to be in Australia and focus on my family."
The Hundred runs for a month and begins on July 21. While Conway is expected to be available throughout, de Kock could miss at least the opening match due to South Africa's T20I series in Ireland. Andre Russell, the third overseas player in the men's team, is set to miss a few games while on international duty and the Braves are looking for a short-term replacement.