England Stars Sign with The Hundred Teams for 2026
London – United News Network – UNN: England stars Ben Duckett and Sophia Dunkley have signed with the Trent Rockets for the upcoming season of The Hundred, while Lauren Filer has joined Birmingham Phoenix.
Duckett, 31, returns to the Trent Rockets following a mercurial season during the Ashes final held in Australia, where he averaged 20.2. Nevertheless, he has established himself as one of the world’s leading opening batters across multiple formats in recent years and most recently signed with Birmingham Phoenix.
The left-hander knows Trent Bridge very well, having played his county cricket for Nottinghamshire since 2018.
Duckett said: “Trent Bridge has become my home in many different ways, so signing with the Rockets feels like a complete privilege, and I am deeply grateful.”
He added: “Undoubtedly, it is my favorite ground in England to play at, and I look forward to playing for the Rockets in front of the best fans in the country.”
Meanwhile, Dunkley, a regular member of the England squad since her international debut in 2021, joined the group after leaving Welsh Fire.
The 27-year-old has a record of scoring 1,065 runs in The Hundred at an average of 31.32, including seven half-centuries.
Dunkley said: “The platform that The Hundred has given to women’s sport so far is huge, and it is an incredibly exciting time, so I look forward to seeing what lies ahead with the Rockets.”
Rockets coach Chris Read commented: “Sophia will be a fantastic addition to our squads, bringing well-known run-scoring abilities along with valuable experience.”
England player Lauren Filer, one of the fastest female bowlers on the field, left Manchester Originals to join the Phoenix women’s team alongside other new signings Ellyse Perry and Alice Capsey.
The 25-year-old joined Manchester Originals after spending two seasons there, following one season each with London Spirit and Welsh Fire.
Filer averaged 12.12 in 2025, taking eight wickets in six matches.
Phoenix women’s coach Ali Maiden said: “Lauren is an exciting young player with genuine speed and real engagement in her play.”
He added: “She possesses an aggressive competitive framework and control that we believe will be crucial in The Hundred.”
Teams are allowed four signings for the 2026 season, with the remaining players to be released into squads through a new player auction.
Batter Jacob Bethell and Rehan Ahmed have signed for the Phoenix men’s team.
Filer said: “I am very grateful to join Birmingham Phoenix.”
She continued: “I look forward to playing at Edgbaston, which enjoys immense fan pride. I look forward to starting with the team, bowling in the Phoenix fan atmosphere, and contributing to what I believe will be a strong season.”
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