(Source X)
England Test captain Ben Stokes is poised to make his long-awaited return to T20 cricket. According to reports from ESPNCricinfo, he is set to feature in the Hundred for Northern Superchargers, marking his first appearance in the league since 2021.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has granted Ben Stokes clearance to participate in the tournament. He will be under the guidance of Andrew Flintoff, who takes on the coaching role for Northern Superchargers in the upcoming Hundred T20 league starting on July 23.
This tournament will mark Ben Stokes’ comeback to the Hundred after a hiatus of three years. His last stint with Northern Superchargers was in 2021, where he played in two matches. Since then, he has focused predominantly on Test cricket after assuming leadership responsibilities within the England team.
Ben Stokes’ return to T20 action follows a period of recovery from a knee injury that sidelined him. During the 2021 edition of the Hundred, he experienced a significant panic attack, prompting a break from the game. After undergoing knee surgery post the ICC World Cup 2023, he has successfully rehabilitated and regained full fitness.
Scheduled to feature in at least four group-stage matches, Ben Stokes will be eligible to continue if Northern Superchargers progress further. His anticipated return to the field is scheduled for August 6 against Birmingham Phoenix.
Under the mentorship of Andrew Flintoff, a celebrated figure in English cricket, Ben Stokes’ presence promises to bolster Northern Superchargers’ campaign significantly. Their collaboration marks a notable alliance between two illustrious all-rounders of English cricket, adding further excitement to the tournament.
The initial stages of the Hundred will see a focus on other players, with England’s Test team engaged in a series against West Indies. The participation of England players in the Hundred will commence after the conclusion of the third Test at Edgbaston.
Injuries pose early concerns for The Hundred ahead of its start.
The Hundred has encountered its share of setbacks with several players sidelined due to injuries. Will Smeed of Phoenix and Tash Farrant of Oval Invincibles will miss the tournament due to hamstring issues. England’s Joe Root and Zak Crawley are also set to sit out initial matches, prompting Trent Rockets and London Spirit to recruit Riley Meredith and James Neesham respectively on short-term deals.
Additionally, Tim Southee has stepped in for Naseem Shah at Phoenix after the PCB denied Shah a No-Objection Certificate. Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner has been brought in for Northern Superchargers to replace Daniel Sams, who is recovering from a knee injury. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of squad compositions as teams adapt to unforeseen challenges ahead of the tournament’s commencement.
