BOLTON’S rising star Matt Parkinson has been snapped up for next summer’s The Hundred launch.

The Lancashire leg spinner, called up for England’s tour of New Zealand this winter after starring for his county side, will play for the Old Trafford-based Manchester Originals.

The eight city-based franchises for next year’s inaugural edition of the 100-ball event began to take shape yesterday with Parkinson joined by Red Rose team-mates Jos Buttler and Saqib Mahmood at the Manchester side in the first stage of the draft. 

Bury’s Kate Cross will play for the women’s team, with the ICC’s Emerging Player of the Year for 2018 Sophie Ecclestone, also selected.

Each of the newly-formed teams announced five signings, one centrally-contracted Test player and two ‘local icons’ for the men’s sides and the first two members of their women’s roster.

“Manchester Originals are very excited to have selected Matt Parkinson and Saqib Mahmood as our two local icon picks,” said Manchester Originals head coach Simon Katich.

“Both are outstanding young local players and have made strong starts to their careers particularly for Lancashire in T20 cricket.

“Their recent selection in the England T20 squad highlights how highly regarded they both are not only for their potential to keep improving but also on the back of some very good performances in T20 and white ball cricket for Lancashire over the last few seasons.

“We are looking forward to seeing them continue to play big roles in The Hundred for Manchester.” England star Cross, previously the Lancashire Thunder skipper, said: “The introduction of The Hundred is a huge moment for the game of cricket and I’m thrilled to be a part of it with Manchester Originals.

“The new competition will undoubtedly help more people see how powerful and amazing women’s cricket can be and hopefully it will encourage many of those who’ve enjoyed it to get involved too.”

Elsewhere, Ben Stokes edged out Joe Root for the right to head up The Hundred’s Leeds-based franchise, England’s hero this summer set to play for the Northern Superchargers, who represent Yorkshire and Durham.

Root will play for the Nottingham-based Trent Rockets with England white ball captain Eoin Morgan at London Spirit.

Jofra Archer, another star of a memorable cricketing summer that included a World Cup win and a thrilling Ashes series, is attached to the Southern Brave.

The full player draft takes place on October 20 live on Sky Sports, the five-week competition starting in July 2020.