Born in Bodelwyddan, raised in Barbados, back in Wales for the summer as a genuine England star. It's been quite a cricketing journey for Phil Salt, the big-hitting England T20 international who's preparing to captain Welsh Fire men in The Hundred. The 29-year-old leads a team that includes former England captain Joe Root and ex-Test batter Chris Woakes, the campaign starting with a men's and women's double header at Southern Brave on 22 July.

Salt would seem a natural fit as skipper given his heritage - born in North Wales to a Welsh mother, raised initially in St Asaph. "When the auctions were happening earlier this year, it felt like a no-brainer to join Welsh Fire," says Salt, the top men's scorer in The Hundred with 1,138 runs since the competition started in 2021. Facing Pakistan in a one-day international in Cardiff made him the first Welshman to represent England since former Glamorgan pace bowler Simon Jones in 2005.

Historically, Welsh Fire haven't done that well, but with tech billionaire Sanjay Govil buying a 50% share of the team for £40m there is hope that this year could be different. Two other 2026 recruits - Glamorgan pair Ben Kellaway and Asa Tribe - will bring that local knowledge and a Welsh heartbeat to the team. "Can we win the competition? Definitely. I don't see why not," said Salt.