JONNY Bairstow believes he and Kieron Pollard can light up Cardiff this summer when they team up in an exciting Welsh Fire side for The Hundred.

Bairstow is set to be a key man for England for the rest of their winter, but will play for Welsh Fire at Sophia Gardens later this year alongside fellow England internationals Ollie Pope, Tom Banton and Liam Plunkett.

West Indian big hitter Pollard and Australian seamer Jhye Richardson have been confirmed as the overseas players following the conclusion of the draft selection process.

Glamorgan vice-captain David Lloyd has also been picked along with Northamptonshire all-rounder Josh Cobb, Nottinghamshire and England fast bowler Jake Ball, Gloucestershire batsman Ian Cockbain and Derbyshire spinner Matt Critchley.

"The numbers and experience Kieron brings from playing in competitions around the world is huge," said Bairstow.

"Combined with the dimensions of the ground at Cardiff it should make for an interesting spectacle in terms of bowling at him!

"There are a lot of guys who can have a huge impact throughout the squad. I can't wait."

Welsh Fire is one of eight new teams taking part in The Hundred, a new 100-ball competition that is designed to throw open cricket's doors to everyone.

Boasting world class men's and women's players, it will take place this summer and feature eight city-based teams from Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Southampton and two in London. It will be screened live by Sky and the BBC.

l Jonny Bairstow will play for Welsh Fire in The Hundred this summer. For more information go to https://www.thehundred.com/