Ben Stokes' The Hundred return confirmed in a big boost for Northern Superchargers

England Test captain Ben Stokes is all set to make a return to the T20 format after a while. As per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that he will be playing in the Hundred for Northern Superchargers and this will be the first time he will be playing in the league since 2021.

The reports claimed that the England and Wales Cricket Board has given the green light to Ben Stokes to play in the league. The all-rounder will be playing under Andrew Flintoff, who will be coaching Northern Superchargers in the Hundred T20 league, set to be played from 23rd July.

This will be the first time in three years that Ben Stokes will be playing in the Hundred. He last played for Northern Superchargers in 2021 as he featured in two games. But ever since taking over the leadership of the England Test side, he has prioritized the longest format of the game and has made sure that he gives his everything for the national team in the format.

This was because Ben Stokes was battling a knee injury. The all-rounder during the Hundred 2021 faced a severe panic attack and collapsed on the floor of his hotel bathroom. After that, he took a break and then finally after the ICC World Cup 2023, he underwent knee surgery and now has returned to full fitness.

For the 2024 edition of the Hundred, Ben Stokes reportedly has been made available for four group-stage games and if Northern Superchargers qualify, he will be playing those games too. The all-rounder will be available to play from 6th August in a game against Birmingham Phoenix.

Ben Stokes will be playing under Andrew Flintoff, who will be serving as a head coach in the league for the first time. Two of the greatest of England all-rounders will be joining hands together and it will be a massive boost for the Northern Superchargers, who will be one of the favourites to win the tournament.

The first week of The Hundred will see not-so-big names playing. This is because England players will be playing the third Test against West Indies, which will clash with the league. The Three Lions players will be released to play straight after the third Test at Edgbaston.

The Hundred faces injury concerns even before the start of the tournament

The Hundred has also been marred by a few injuries. Will Smeed (Phoenix) and Tash Farrant (Oval Invincibles) will be missing the tournament due to hamstring injuries. Joe Root and Zak Crawley also will be missing the first few games and in their place, Riley Meredith (Trent Rockets) and James Neesham (London Spirit) have been signed on short-term deals.

Apart from this, Tim Southee has also replaced Naseem Shah at Phoenix. The fast bowler was denied a No-Objection Certificate by the PCB. Also, Mitchell Santner has replaced Daniel Sams at Northern Superchargers who has been ruled out due to knee injury.