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England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to take on a new and non-playing role in The Hundred 2025, for the Northern Superchargers. This decision comes after the 34-year-old all-rounder was sidelined with a shoulder injury, which forced him to miss the final Test against India at The Oval. Having already opted out of playing in the tournament earlier in the year as part of a workload management strategy following hamstring surgery, Stokes’ new position allows him to remain involved with the team while focusing on his rehabilitation.
Ben Stokes’ new role with the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred 2025
Stokes will assume a mentorship position with the Northern Superchargers as revealed by the franchise on social media account on Instagram, working closely with head coach Andrew Flintoff to support the team from the sidelines. Stokes clarified his approach to the role, stating he will not be a traditional coach.
In comments made to ESPNcricinfo earlier in January, he was quoted as saying, “You will see me knocking about the Hundred, not in a playing way, I had to make a decision in January if I would participate in the comp, but that was after my hamstring surgery. I said I’d still like to be a part of it, so I will be milling about. I won’t have a notebook and pen. I said I would come and give my time to the team. I will be cracking on with my rehab,” This new role will allow Stokes to continue his recovery process while still contributing to the team’s goals. Stokes has a prior connection to the Superchargers, having played five matches for them between 2021 and 2024, during which he scored 14 runs and took five wickets. The team is set to begin its campaign against Welsh Fire at Headingley in Leeds.
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The physical toll of a stellar Test performance for England against India
The decision to take on a non-playing role in The Hundred is a direct consequence of the physical toll Stokes endured during the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Stokes had a remarkable series with both bat and ball, playing a pivotal role in England’s efforts. He was in stellar form as he spearheaded his side to a 2-1 series lead, amassing 17 wickets and scoring his first Test century in two years during the drawn Manchester Test.
In that same match, his six-wicket haul was a match-defining performance. However, the immense physical exertion from these heroics exacted a heavy toll on his body, resulting in a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the thrilling series finale at The Oval. This injury proved to be a significant setback, as Stokes acknowledged the high risk of playing and chose to prioritize his long-term fitness. India went on to win the final Test by six runs, leveling the series at 2-2.
