Stokes Prioritizes Ashes as Smith Joins WEL in The Hundred

Stokes Skips The Hundred as Ashes Loom, Smith Joins WEL

The upcoming edition of The Hundred will see a major shake-up as ENG Test captain Ben Stokes opts out to prioritize the highly anticipated Ashes series. Meanwhile, AUS cricketing icon Steve Smith is set to make his long-awaited debut in the tournament, signing with WEL. These developments mark a significant shift in the tournament’s roster as teams gear up for an action-packed season.

Stokes’ Decision to Skip The Hundred

As teams finalized their squads, one notable absence was Stokes, who was not retained by NOR. The decision aligns with expectations that the ENG skipper would focus on his fitness, particularly after a series of injuries over the past year. Stokes, who suffered a torn hamstring while playing for NOR in the previous edition of The Hundred, aggravated the injury during a Test series against NZ in December, forcing him to undergo surgery in January. Currently missing from ENG’s Champions Trophy campaign in PAK, Stokes has his eyes firmly set on the upcoming Ashes series in AUS, scheduled for November.

Before heading into the Ashes, ENG will play a one-off Test against ZIM at Trent Bridge in May, followed by a five-match home Test series against IND. The Hundred, which runs from August 5 to 31, coincides with the final days of the IND series, making it a logical decision for Stokes to sit out and manage his workload.

Smith Set for His Hundred Debut

While Stokes takes a break, AUS legend Smith is finally making his way into The Hundred, joining WEL for the upcoming edition. Smith expressed his excitement about the move, emphasizing his long-standing desire to play in the competition.

"I was due to be involved with The Hundred at the beginning of the competition, so it's great to finally be able to make it to WEL," said Smith. "I've watched The Hundred from afar and I can't wait to be involved. The cricket is world-class, and I'm looking forward to playing my part for (head coach) Mike Hussey and the rest of the boys."

Smith's inclusion is a significant boost for WEL, bringing in one of the finest batters in modern cricket. The AUS star will look to make an immediate impact in a tournament known for its fast-paced, high-energy format.

Major Retentions and Signings

The latest squad announcements revealed a host of international stars joining The Hundred. Alongside Smith, AUS stars Meg Lanning (OVI), Megan Schutt (BIR), and Marcus Stoinis (TRE) have also signed up. NZ’s Trent Boult (BIR) and AFG’s Rashid Khan (OVI) add further firepower to the league.

Meanwhile, key ENG players have been retained, including Jos Buttler (MAN), Joe Root (TRE), Harry Brook and Adil Rashid (both NOR), Nat Sciver-Brunt (TRE), and Sophie Ecclestone (MAN). These selections highlight the blend of experience and youth in this year’s competition.

The Hundred’s Draft Process

For the first time, teams were allowed to sign one male and one female player directly, rather than relying solely on the Hundred Draft. A total of 148 squad spots have been confirmed, leaving 68 places still open. The final squads will be determined through the Draft on March 12, with an additional opportunity for selections in May’s Wildcard Draft, where standout domestic performers can earn their place in the tournament.

What Lies Ahead

As the tournament shapes up, the absence of Stokes will undoubtedly be felt, but his decision underlines the growing importance of player workload management, especially in a packed international calendar. For fans, the arrival of Smith and other global stars promises thrilling action as The Hundred continues to establish itself as a premier short-format competition. With the countdown to August underway, teams will look to finalize their rosters and fine-tune their strategies for a blockbuster edition of the tournament.