There were plenty of veterans of the sport who chipped in with crucial performances throughout 2021. Here’s just a few of the notable players.

Imran Tahir

The 42-year-old cricketing legend was one of the top performers at the first ever year of The Hundred. The standout moment from his competition has to be the first ever Hundred hat-trick that guided Birmingham Phoenix to a comfortable win over Welsh Fire. Here’s that third wicket in case you hadn’t already seen it!

Tahir picked up one wicket in The Hundred final and it looked like it could have been a crucial one. He got Southern brave captain, James Vince, out for four runs. It may not have swayed the match in the direction of Phoenix, but at least we got to see one more celebration from the South African.

Heather Knight

A legend of cricket. Heather Knight captained London Spirit and led from the front. She top scored for her team with 214 runs throughout the competition. The 30-year-old played some stylish cricket, including this six against London rivals, Oval Invincibles.

Knight is also a useful player when it comes to bowling. She contributed four wickets as Spirit finished fourth in the Women’s competition. Her spin can be tricky to play, as Georgia Redmayne found out!

Carlos Brathwaite

The former West Indies captain is still an incredibly powerful hitter and bowler. But the 33-year-old also proved that he’s useful in the field simply because of his height. Here’s Carlos Brathwaite taking a great catch against the Welsh Fire that he made look easy!

And when it comes to power hitting, there’s no one who makes it look easier than the Manchester Originals player. Just sit back and enjoy this shot.

John Simpson

At 33-years-old, John Simpson showed he still has what it takes to win matches. He came to the crease against the Oval Invincibles and joined Harry Brook in seeing the Headingley-based team home. He punished Tom Curran by hitting a huge six to win the match for the Superchargers!

That short cameo may have been somewhat of a warning for the Manchester Originals. It was the contribution of Simpson, as he got 71 off just 28 balls, that enabled the Superchargers to score 200 for the first ever time in the history of the Hundred. His innings included 11 fours and two sixes and here he is reaching 50. Excellent stuff!

Marizanne Kapp

There’s no better sight in cricket for a bowler than seeing those flashing bails light up. South African international, Marizanne Kapp, proved a threat from the start of the competition. She got the first ever wicket in The Hundred and against London rivals, Spirit, took the important wicket of Chloe Tryon.

The 31-year-old also rounded off the year by getting the last wicket in the Women’s competition. She bowled Lauren Bell and that confirmed Oval Invicnibles as 2021 champions. A brilliant competition from Marizanne!

Paul Stirling

Paul Stirling is an experienced batter who has international experience for Ireland to his name. He also has over 20,000 runs in his career and he made it clear why he is so dangerous at The Hundred. The Southern Brave star launched a huge six into the stands at The Ageas Bowl. What a shot!

And when it came to the biggest stage of the competition - the final - Stirling was there to help his team to the first Hundred title. He hit 61 from 36 balls against Birmingham Phoenix at Lord’s and was the only player across the Men’s and Women’s competition to reach 50 on the day!

Rachel Priest

The 36-year-old and former New Zealand international, Rachel Priest, was a consistent performer for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred. She was quick and decisive behind the stumps, but also chipped in with runs. Her 76 against London Spirit was the third highest score in the competition. Just take a look at the sixes from that innings!

Priest took six dismissals as keeper for the Rockets and we don’t think there was a better example of her ability than when she got Katie George. Those reactions are something else!

Sarah Taylor

The legendary English all-rounder came out of retirement to play for the Welsh Fire and provided entertainment throughout the competition. She was her usual self behind the stumps and was a reliable source of wickets for her side.

But when at the crease, Taylor was bringing out the style. The 32-year-old played a brilliant hockey shot that got the appropriate reaction from the commentary team at The Kia Oval. Welsh Fire went on to win the match and Taylor made 29 runs!