Northern Superchargers will be able to call on some of the world’s highest-profile cricketers after confirming 20 players to be retained across their women’s and men’s squads for The Hundred.
England Men’s superstar Ben Stokes headlines an impressive list that also includes Australia Women wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, who will provide a major boost after the World Cup winner missed the inaugural competition.
Indian star Jemimah Rodrigues also return after finishing as the second top run scorer last summer, despite playing two games fewer than eventual top scorer Dané Van Niekerk.
Local heroes Hollie Armitage and Adil Rashid, who played his 200th England international during the recent series against West Indies, will also be back in purple.
The women’s team have retained 10 players with Laura Wolvaardt joining Healy as an overseas signing. Spinner Linsey Smith returns after she was the Superchargers’ leading wicket taker last year.
The men’s team will be coached by former England wicketkeeper James Foster and he will have star quality in all parts with young guns Harry Brook, who made his England debut last month, David Willey and John Simpson, who starred as the Superchargers became the first team to score 200 in The Hundred last year.
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis is also retained after he was unable to play last summer.
The Hundred returns in August, mixing fast-paced, world-class cricket with family friendly music and entertainment off the pitch. This year there will be even more activities to entertain families inside Headingley.
Hollie Armitage said: “The Hundred was an amazing experience last year and provided a stage for women’s cricket that can showcase the next stars of the game.
“I know the squad are desperate to get back on the stage and, after just missing out on the playoffs last year, we want to show everyone how good we are and to enjoy the fun and excitement of playing in front of big crowds.”
Adil Rashid said: “I loved playing in The Hundred last year. It felt like a big competition to match anything else I’ve ever played in around the world. You could feel the energy of the crowds every time there was a big six or a key wicket. We’ve got a great squad and I’d love to be at Lord’s again lifting a trophy in front of a full house.”
The Superchargers’ men’s team have also retained 10 players with England quick Brydon Carse, Adam Lyth, Callum Parkinson and Matthew Potts joining Stokes, Rashid, Du Plessis, Simpson and Willey.
The women’s team also welcomes back Alice Davidson-Richards, Bess Heath, Beth Langston, Katie Levick, Kalea Moore, Liz Russell in addition to Armitage, Healy, Rodrigues, Smith and Wolvaardt.
Northern Superchargers’ programme of games at Headingley starts on Tuesday 9 August when the men’s team host Trent Rockets.
The three double header days with men’s and women’s fixtures are set for Sunday 14 August against London Spirit, Sunday 21 August versus local rivals Manchester Originals and Wednesday 31 August against Southern Brave.
Get behind Northern Superchargers with your friends and family when The Hundred returns to Headingley. Tickets go on sale to Yorkshire and Durham members today, and to last year’s ticket buyers from tomorrow. People who didn’t see the action for themselves last year can sign up at thehundred.com to be first to hear when tickets go on-sale.
