Ben Stokes to play in The Hundred for the first time since the 2021 edition

England Test skipper Ben Stokes will make his first appearance in The Hundred after three years when he links up with the Northern Superchargers. According to ESPN Cricinfo, the seam-bowling all-rounder will join the team, coached by former player Andrew Flintoff, in the second half of the season.

The inaugural season of the multi-event competition in 2021 saw Stokes play a couple of matches. He has kept away from it since succeeding Joe Root as the Test captain in 2022.

With the 33-year-old also struggling with his knee since early 2023, he has opted to rest between international matches. Following his most recent appearance in The Hundred, Stokes had a panic attack, collapsing on the floor of a bathroom hotel.

However, the left-handed batter will mark his comeback to the competition and is set to play four group-stage matches and the knockout games if the Superchargers get there. The Durham player underwent a knee surgery after the 2023 World Cup to get fit ahead of the five-Test tour of India.

Nevertheless, he didn't roll his arms until the final Test in Dharamsala. Although the veteran seems to have returned to full fitness, as he bowled in the opening Test against the West Indies at Lord's, he's unlikely to do so in The Hundred.

Ben Stokes to play under Harry Brook's captaincy

The Superchargers have named Harry Brook as their captain ahead of the competition's fourth season. The Yorkshire batter, along with Flintoff, will look to bring a change in the fortunes of the team.

The Superchargers have finished in the bottom half of the table in all three seasons. They finished eighth last year, losing five matches and winning only a couple.

They open their campaign against the Trent Rockets on July 27 at Headingley, Leeds.