Ben Stokes Prioritizes Ashes Fitness Over The Hundred: Key Updates and Team Signings

Ben Stokes to Miss The Hundred

England Test captain Ben Stokes has decided to skip this year's The Hundred tournament to concentrate on regaining his fitness ahead of the Ashes series in Australia. Stokes, who has been a pivotal figure for the Northern Superchargers since the inception of The Hundred in 2021, was not retained by the team for the 2025 season.

Injury and Recovery Timeline

Stokes suffered a left hamstring tear during England’s tour of New Zealand in December, a setback occurring shortly after his recovery from a similar injury sustained during his time with Superchargers in August. The injury necessitated surgery, sidelining him for at least three months. Although England’s next Test match isn’t until they face Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May, Stokes is targeting a return to fitness by the start of the County Championship season in April.

Tournament Schedule and Player Signings

The Hundred is set to commence on 5 August, just one day after England concludes their five-Test series against India. The Ashes will begin in Perth on 21 November. Recent signings include Steve Smith joining Welsh Fire, marking his first appearance with the franchise after the tournament's delay in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Team Dynamics and Draft Details

This season, for the first time, teams are allowed to sign one male and one female player directly through private negotiations, bypassing the traditional draft. 68 slots remain across all teams, to be filled in the draft on 12 March, with an additional wildcard draft slated for May to incorporate in-form players from the domestic circuit.

Key Player Movements

Other notable signings include Jonny Bairstow retaining his spot with Fire, Marcus Stoinis joining Trent Rockets, and Meg Lanning signing with Oval Invincibles. Additionally, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, and Heather Knight have been secured by various teams, highlighting the international talent flooding into the tournament.

Financial Impact and Tournament Value

The England and Wales Cricket Board recently facilitated the sale of stakes in the eight franchises of The Hundred, valuing the teams collectively at over £975 million, injecting approximately £520 million into the sport across the country.