Khan goes first as Fleming assembles string Rockets squad

Stephen Fleming says Trent Rockets can “create something really exciting” after taking Rashid Khan first in Sunday’s The Hundred draft. The Rockets head coach added a dozen new faces to the trio the Nottingham-based franchise had already been allocated before the inaugural draft. Enjoyed the privilege of picking first, Fleming opted for Afghanistan mystery spinner Khan from the 570 players who registered for the competition. The leg-spinner will earn £125,000 for his month-long stint, as will Andre Russell – who was selected second by Southern Brave. Fleming said: “I’m thrilled to bring these players together and create the very first Trent Rockets squad – I know we’re going to create something really exciting next summer when the competition gets started.” Australia team-mates Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc will play together at Welsh Fire while David Warner was also drafted later on by Southern Brave. However, West Indies opener Chris Gayle, South Africa bowler Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga all missed out on selection. Rashid, who has been handed the honour of captaining his country at the age of 21, will play alongside England Test captain Joe Root, who described him as “one of the best players in the world”. “It’s going to be great to have Rashid join us at Trent Bridge next summer,” Root said. “I’ve played against him and I know he’s a fierce competitor and one of the best players in the world.”