Southern Brave The Hundred Men’s Team Profile: History, Records, Achievements, Squad and More

Southern Brave Men’s History

The Southern Brave have been a formidable force in The Hundred Men’s competition ever since the tournament's inaugural season in 2021. Representing the historic counties of Hampshire and Sussex and based out of the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, the franchise has built its reputation on explosive batting, versatile bowling, and a tactical core led by seasoned professionals. From lifting the very first Hundred trophy to becoming consistent playoff contenders, Southern Brave’s journey in the tournament has been one of early triumphs, mid-phase rebuilding, and a return to title-challenging form.

The franchise came into being as part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s ambitious plan to introduce a high-octane 100-ball format to modernise the game and appeal to new audiences. Southern Brave wasted no time in making a statement. With a well-rounded squad featuring the likes of James Vince, Devon Conway, and Chris Jordan, and under the guidance of experienced coach Mahela Jayawardene, the Brave clinched the title in the tournament’s debut season by defeating Birmingham Phoenix in the final.
 

However, success wasn’t always linear. The 2022 season proved to be a wake-up call as the Brave slumped to a disappointing seventh-place finish, missing out on the playoffs. But rather than linger in that setback, the team regrouped quickly. Mahela Jayawardene was replaced by Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of the men’s team. They reinforced their batting depth and fine-tuned their bowling combinations, ensuring that 2023 marked their return to the playoffs, where they reached the Eliminator.

In 2024, Southern Brave were once again back among the elite. The team enjoyed a resurgent campaign, finishing high in the league standings and eventually marching into the final. Despite a strong fight, they were defeated by Oval Invincibles in a high-stakes finale, ending as runners-up. Yet the performance solidified their place as one of the most consistent sides in recent years.

As the 2025 season approaches, Southern Brave enter the tournament with renewed energy and the hunger to reclaim their crown. This year, Stephen Fleming has departed and is replaced by Adi Birrell as the new head coach of the side. With a core led by the ever-reliable James Vince and a squad filled with proven match-winners, the men in dark green remain one of the top contenders to watch.

Southern Brave Men’s Journey in The Hundred (Season-by-Season)

Southern Brave Men’s Captains and Vice-Captains Over the Years

Since the launch of The Hundred in 2021, Southern Brave have relied on a solid leadership core to guide them through the highs and lows of the tournament. Unlike some franchises that have experimented with different leaders, Southern Brave have built their identity around the experienced James Vince, who has captained the side in all five seasons. Under his calm and composed leadership, the team clinched the inaugural title in 2021 and has since remained a regular contender in the playoff stages.
 

Supporting Vince throughout this journey has been England left-arm quick Tymal Mills, who has served as the vice-captain in multiple seasons. Known for his clarity in high-pressure situations and deep understanding of the game, Mills has been an ideal deputy leading the bowling unit and playing a significant role in shaping the team’s on-field strategies.
 

Here’s a season-wise look at Southern Brave’s captain and vice-captain duo over the years:

James Vince (Captain: 2021–present)

James Vince has been the face of Southern Brave since the tournament's inception and remains the only player to have captained the men’s team in The Hundred. Appointed skipper in 2021, Vince led from the front in the team’s maiden campaign, scoring vital runs and marshalling his troops to their first and only title so far. His elegant batting and composed decision-making have been central to the Brave’s success story.
 

Over five seasons, Vince has proven to be a consistent run-scorer and a reliable tactician. His strength lies in understanding tempo shifts during matches and adapting quickly. Whether it’s managing resources in the field or anchoring chases with the bat, Vince’s leadership has remained steady.

Southern Brave record under James Vince as captain

James Vince is also the all-time leading run-scorer for Southern Brave with 980 runs. His high score of 90* against Birmingham Phoenix in 2024 further cements his legacy as a captain who consistently delivers with the bat.

Southern Brave Men’s Squad 2025 

Southern Brave The Hundred Men’s 2025 Fixtures and Schedule 

Southern Brave Administration and Support Staff 2025 

Southern Brave Men’s Achievements and Records

The Southern Brave, representing Hampshire and Sussex in The Hundred Men’s competition, have etched their name into the history books as one of the most consistent and successful sides in the tournament. Since the tournament’s launch in 2021, the Brave have combined explosive firepower with disciplined bowling to deliver impactful campaigns year after year. Based out of the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, the team is led by the experienced James Vince and has often thrived under the strategic guidance of head coach Mahela Jayawardene.

Their resurgence began in 2023 with a return to the playoffs, followed by a remarkable campaign in 2024 that saw them reach their second final. Despite a strong showing, they fell short in the title clash against the Oval Invincibles. Nonetheless, two final appearances and three playoff qualifications in four completed seasons underline the Brave’s competitive pedigree.

As they head into the 2025 season, the Southern Brave continue to be one of the tournament’s most feared and respected outfits. With a stable leadership core and a squad brimming with talent, the Brave remain on the hunt for their second crown.

Here’s a look at their team records and individual records till now. 

Southern Brave Team Records (As of July 2025)

Southern Brave’s team records as of July 2025 reflect their early success and sustained competitiveness. Their highest total of 196/1 against Manchester Originals in the 2023 season showcased their aggressive batting approach. The team’s lowest ever total of 118/8 came at the worst time against the Oval Invincibles as they went on to lose. Their six wins in 2021 remain their best in a single season, and their ability to string together winning runs in multiple campaigns has helped them stay at the top end of the table. And to top it all off they won the inaugural men’s Hundred tournament. 

Southern Brave Individual Record (As of July 2025)

Captain James Vince dominates across multiple categories, leading in most runs (980), most fifties (8), and most boundaries, including 102 fours and 30 sixes. He also holds the highest individual score for the team with an unbeaten 90 against Birmingham Phoenix in 2024. On the bowling front, Tymal Mills stands out with 43 wickets and the best figures of 4/13. Vince also leads in fielding with 17 catches, showcasing his all-round contribution to the team’s success.

Southern Brave Key Rivalries

Since the inception of The Hundred Men’s competition in 2021, Southern Brave have established themselves as one of the tournament's most consistent and competitive franchises. Based out of the Utilita Bowl and representing Hampshire and Sussex, the Brave have been a part of several intense and high-stakes clashes that have gone on to shape the narrative of the tournament.

Here’s a look at the key rivalries that have defined Southern Brave’s journey in The Hundred so far:

Southern Brave vs Oval Invincibles
Arguably the fiercest rivalry Southern Brave have encountered, their battles with Oval Invincibles have become marquee fixtures in The Hundred. The rivalry hit its peak in the 2024 final, where the Brave, despite a strong campaign, were outclassed by the Invincibles who lifted their second consecutive title. The contrasting styles of Southern Brave’s aggressive top order versus Oval’s balanced and tactical approach have made this clash a staple of the league.
 

The head-to-head record clearly favours Oval Invincibles, who have won four of the five matches against Southern Brave, including the high-pressure 2024 final. While the Brave have struggled in this fixture, the intensity and build-up to each game have made it a fan favourite. The rivalry between the Sussex county and the Surrey county also adds weight to this battle. 

Southern Brave vs Trent Rockets

The rivalry with Trent Rockets stems from their frequent battles in the league stage, where both sides have often been in contention for playoff spots. With star players on both ends, Southern Brave’s power-hitters against Trent’s explosive bowling unit,  this fixture has produced some closely fought contests.

Southern Brave hold the edge in this rivalry, winning three of their five meetings, a winning percentage of 60%. While not as historically charged as some other matchups, this fixture has grown in stature due to the competitiveness and playoff implications attached to most encounters.

Southern Brave vs Birmingham Phoenix

The rivalry between Southern Brave and the Birmingham Phoenix is a rivalry that is simply born out of the fact that both these sides locked horns with each other in the final of the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The Southern Brave emerged victorious and the rivalry has been forged since then.  

When it comes to result, the Southern Brave have very clearly had the bragging rights in this fixture as in the six matches they have locked horns with each other, the Sussex and Hampshire side has triumphed on five occasions. 

Southern Brave vs Manchester Originals 

The rivalry between the Southern Brave and the Manchester Originals is one of the most hotly contested matches in the Hundred. Both the Southern Brave and Manchester Originals have faced each other on four different occasions and both teams have won two matches each. 
 

Both teams are neck and neck in head to head between each other and heading into the 2025 season the matchup between these two sides will be highly anticipated. 

Southern Brave Team Owners and Sponsorships

Southern Brave have been one of the most consistent and well-supported franchises in The Hundred since the tournament began in 2021. With their home base at The Utilita Bowl in Southampton and representing Hampshire and Sussex counties, the Brave have combined on-field competitiveness with a strong off-field structure. From winning the inaugural men’s title in 2021 to consistently qualifying for playoffs in later seasons, their success has been driven by a stable cricketing foundation and progressive commercial vision. As of 2025, that vision has entered a new era with the introduction of private ownership and renewed sponsorship strategies.

Owners: Hampshire County and GMR Group

In the first four seasons of The Hundred (2021–2024), Southern Brave were fully owned and operated by the Hampshire County Cricket Club (HCCC), in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Under the county’s stewardship, the Brave quickly established themselves as one of the competition’s elite sides—clinching the inaugural men’s title and building a strong regional fan base. The Utilita Bowl served as both the home of the franchise and the epicentre of Brave’s strategic cricketing and commercial operations.
 

However, 2025 marked a significant turning point in the ownership structure of The Hundred. In a bid to inject capital and global commercial expertise into the tournament, the ECB invited private investment for the first time. As part of this shift, Hampshire CCC sold a 49% stake in the Southern Brave franchise to Indian conglomerate GMR Group in a deal valued at £98 million. This move signalled the beginning of a hybrid ownership model.

GMR Group, a major player in global sports ownership, is no stranger to franchise cricket. They co-own the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), along with teams in SA20 (Pretoria Capitals), ILT20 (Dubai Capitals), and MLC (Seattle Orcas). Their investment in Southern Brave aligns with their strategy of establishing a global footprint in emerging T20 and short-format leagues.

With the ECB retaining tournament-level control, the GMR-Hampshire partnership aims to enhance the Southern Brave brand through commercial expansion, global fan engagement, and elite player development. While Hampshire CCC continues to oversee cricketing operations and local engagement, GMR brings experience in brand building, digital strategy, and international league integration.

Southern Brave Sponsors

Southern Brave’s consistent on-field success, coupled with their vibrant coastal identity and fan-friendly brand, has made them a highly attractive property for sponsors. As one of the most recognisable sides in The Hundred, the Brave have partnered with a range of brands across sectors—from sportswear and food to hospitality and tech. With the entry of GMR Group in 2025, their commercial portfolio is set to expand further on the global stage.

Title and Kit Partner: Pom-Bear

In 2025, Pom-Bear, the iconic snack brand, stepped up as the title sponsor and official kit partner of Southern Brave. The partnership has brought a playful, colourful, and widely recognisable identity to the team’s branding and merchandise. Pom-Bear’s association reflects 

Southern Brave Team Fan Following

Southern Brave, representing the southern counties of Hampshire and Sussex, have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity since the inception of The Hundred in 2021. As the winners of the inaugural season, the Brave carved out a space for themselves early on in the hearts of fans and have maintained a decent following both on the ground and online.
 

Given that The Hundred is still in its developmental stage as a competition, most teams are building their fan bases year by year. Yet Southern Brave have enjoyed a head start due to their on-field success, particularly their 2021 championship-winning campaign. Their consistent presence in the playoffs and appearance in the 2024 final has further boosted their popularity. Success has brought visibility, and visibility has brought loyalty, a combination every modern franchise craves.

The Southern Brave have a decent online presence compared to other Hundred teams and their presence is growing. Part of the reason that their online presence isn’t as massive as compared to some of the IPL franchises is that The Hundred is still a relatively young tournament and its social media presence is managed by ECB and not individually. 

Another reason the Brave have emerged as a commercially attractive entity is their brand value. In 2025, GMR Group, co-owners of the IPL’s Delhi Capitals, acquired a 49% stake in the franchise, valuing Southern Brave at £98 million. The bid was a clear reflection of the team’s marketability and potential for global expansion. GMR’s deep ties with Indian cricket and growing interest in overseas leagues means Southern Brave are now part of a broader international ecosystem, which will only serve to grow their fan engagement,  particularly across South Asia and the global T20 audience.