Aussie trio remain
There is less change at the top of the Welsh Fire women’s list, with current Australia captain Lanning, dubbed the “Megastar” of the sport there, happy to sign up for a second attempt at the new competition.
The 28 year old Victoria and Perth Scorchers batter is joined by two other vastly experienced stalwarts of the Australian side in wicket-keeper batter Mooney, 27, and spin-bowling all-rounder Jess Jonassen, 28.
“There was a little uncertainty but once we knew the tournament was up and running again and there was a lot of hard work put in, I was very keen to be involved,” Lanning said of her decision to re-commit.
“It’s going to be an exciting competition coming in and as players we want to be part of that. I had a chat with Jess and Beth, they’re very experienced internationals and will be great additions to the Welsh Fire.
“I think it’ll help that we know each other very well and gelling in the early stages of the tournament will be very important so hopefully it sets us up well,” she told BBC Sport Wales.
They will be playing under Australian women’s coach Matthew Mott, who was in charge at Glamorgan between 2011 and 2013.
“He said Cardiff is a very nice place and a great place to play cricket as well, so that played a role in getting us there and I look forward to meeting everybody,” said Lanning.
Surrey batter Bryony Smith, who has made four appearances for England and featured in their 2020 squad without playing, is the latest addition to the domestic players.
Welsh all-rounder Alex Griffiths was confirmed earlier for the squad, but spinner Claire Nicholas misses this year for family reasons.
Double dating
Both men’s and women’s teams will begin their campaign against Northern Superchargers at Headingley on Saturday 24 July.
The first of four home matches for each franchise at Sophia Gardens come three days later, when Welsh Fire take on Southampton-based Southern Brave.
South African Gary Kirsten is again due to coach the men’s side.
Welsh Fire men: Ollie Pope, Kieron Pollard, Jonny Bairstow, Jhye Richardson, Tom Banton, Jake Ball, Ben Duckett, Ian Cockbain, Qais Ahmad, Josh Cobb, Liam Plunkett, David Payne, Ryan Higgins, Matt Critchley, David Lloyd.
Welsh Fire women: Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney, Jess Jonassen, Bryony Smith, Sophie Luff, Georgia Hennessey, Alex Griffiths, Lauren Filer, Amy Gordon, Nat Wraith, others TBC.