HIGHLIGHTS

• Warner and Stoinis were both contracted by the Southern Brave
• Devine was signed by Birmingham Phoenix
• Warner and Stoinis are reportedly expected to pull out of Australia’s tours of West Indies and Bangladesh as well

Australia’s David Warner, Marcus Stoinis and New Zealand women’s star Sophie Devine have pulled out of The Hundred in what could be the first of several withdrawals due to clashes with international schedule and pandemic-related travel restrictions.

“It is obviously disappointing to lose players with the ability of David and Marcus, but the realities of Covid mean there are practicalities that are difficult for some overseas players to overcome. Replacement overseas players will be signed by Southern Brave, and we look forward to the Hundred showcasing world-class cricket this summer,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) told ESPNCricinfo.

Warner and Stoinis were both contracted by the Southern Brave while Devine was signed by Birmingham Phoenix. Warner and Stoinis have been named in the Australia’s preliminary squad for white-ball tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh, which overlap with the Hundred’s window from July 21-August 21.

“During the course of those discussions, it has become clear that recent experiences abroad, including but not limited to extended periods in bio-secure hubs and hard quarantine, have had an impact on the health and wellbeing of some players and their families,” said Hohns.

“CA has maintained that the wellbeing of players, staff and officials is a top priority, and never more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic given the extraordinary challenges it has placed upon international athletes and sporting teams,” he further said.