Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney hit jackpot in inaugural Women's Hundred auction

New Zealand veteran Sophie Devine and Australian wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney fetched the highest bids in the inaugural Women's Hundred auction in London on Wednesday (March 11). Both international stars were picked for GBP 210,000 with Dani Gibson following suit after being bought for GBP 190,000 by Sunrisers Leeds despite not playing a game for England in the last 18 months.

Mooney, purchased by Trent Rockets, is one of the most established wicketkeepers in the modern game and is a multiple-time world champion whereas Devine, bought by Welsh Fire, very recently was named the player of the tournament in the Women's Premier League. South African allrounder Nadine de Klerk was the fourth most expensive pick after being bought for GBP 170,000 by London Spirit where she will reunite with her WPL teammate Grace Harris.

The historic auction kickstarted with 19-year-old Davina Perrin becoming the first pick for GBP 50,000 to Birmingham Phoenix. Spirit then nailed their wicketkeeper by going after Amy Jones who cost GBP 70,000. While no Pakistan player was picked, only Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma found takers amongst the Indian players with both players surprisingly bought for their base price.

The South African quartet of Chloe Tyron, Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus and Shabnim Ismail went unsold as well with teams having a restriction of just four overseas players in their rosters. Allrounder Tilly Corteen-Coleman was the most expensive uncapped English player at GBP 105,000 as Spirit lost the bidding war to Southern Brave.