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England openers Ben Duckett and Sophia Dunkley have joined Trent Rockets for the 2026 Hundred season, while Birmingham Phoenix have signed seamer Lauren Filer.<\/b><\/p>\n
Duckett, 31, endured a difficult Ashes series in Australia, averaging just 20.2, but has established himself as one of the world’s leading all-format opening batters in recent years and arrives from Birmingham Phoenix.<\/p>\n
The left-hander already knows Trent Bridge, having played his county cricket for Nottinghamshire since 2018.<\/p>\n
“Trent Bridge is already my home in so many different ways, so signing for the Rockets feels like a full circle moment, and I’m absolutely delighted,” said Duckett.<\/p>\n
“Without doubt, it’s my favourite ground to play at in England, and I can’t wait to play for the Rockets in front of the best fans in the country too.”<\/p>\n
Dunkley, an England regular since making her international debut in 2021, joins from Welsh Fire.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old batter has scored 1,065 runs in The Hundred at an average of 31.32 with seven half-centuries.<\/p>\n
“The platform that The Hundred has given the women’s game so far has been immense, and it’s an incredibly exciting time, so I can’t wait to see what lies in store with the Rockets,” she said.<\/p>\n
Rockets head coach Chris Read added: “Sophia will be a brilliant addition to our squad, and brings proven run-scoring ability coupled with valuable experience.”<\/p>\n
England bowler Filer, one of the fastest bowlers in the women’s game, joins Ellyse Perry and fellow new signing Alice Capsey<\/a> in the Phoenix squad.<\/p>\n The 25-year-old joins from Manchester Originals, where she spent two years following single seasons at London Spirit and Welsh Fire.<\/p>\n She averaged 12.12 with the ball for Originals in 2025, taking eight wickets in six matches.<\/p>\n “Lauren is an exciting young bowler with genuine pace and real competitiveness in her game,” said Phoenix women’s head coach Ali Maiden.<\/p>\n “She brings an aggressive mindset and control that we believe will be crucial in The Hundred.”<\/p>\n Teams have been limited to four signings for the 2026 season, with all remaining players set to be allocated to squads in a new auction format<\/a>. <\/p>\n England batter Jacob Bethell and spinner Rehan Ahmed have signed for Phoenix’s men’s side. <\/p>\n “I’m really pleased to be joining Birmingham Phoenix,” said Filer. <\/p>\n “I’ve always loved playing at Edgbaston where the atmosphere is incredible. I can’t wait to get started with the team, bowl in front of the Phoenix fans, and contribute to what I know will be a strong season.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n