Who Are the Newest Additions to the Rockets and Phoenix?

England's cricketing landscape is shifting as openers Ben Duckett and Sophia Dunkley join Trent Rockets for the 2026 Hundred season, while seamer Lauren Filer makes a move to Birmingham Phoenix. This transfer season highlights the evolving dynamics in women's and men's cricket as teams strategise to enhance their rosters.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In a significant reshuffle ahead of the 2026 Hundred season, England internationals Sophia Dunkley and Ben Duckett are set to join Trent Rockets, while Lauren Filer will bolster the Birmingham Phoenix bowling attack. Duckett, after a challenging Ashes series, is eager to return to his familiar grounds at Trent Bridge, expressing delight over his move, which feels like a homecoming. Dunkley, an established presence in women's cricket, joins the Rockets from Welsh Fire, aiming to leverage the platform of The Hundred to further her career. Filer, known for her pace, moves from Manchester Originals to Phoenix, aiming to make a significant impact alongside star players like Ellyse Perry.

Key takeaways

Ben Duckett and Sophia Dunkley join Trent Rockets for the 2026 season.
Lauren Filer moves to Birmingham Phoenix, enhancing their bowling line-up.
Teams can only make four signings ahead of the new auction format.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline illustrates key moments leading to the recent transfers:

2021: Sophia Dunkley makes her international debut for England.
2018: Ben Duckett begins playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire.
2025: Lauren Filer stars for Manchester Originals, averaging 12.12 with the ball.
October 2023: Duckett and Dunkley confirm moves to Trent Rockets, while Filer joins Birmingham Phoenix.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Ben Duckett and Sophia Dunkley’s recent signings mark a strategic shift for Trent Rockets, aiming to bolster their batting lineup ahead of the 2026 season. Lauren Filer’s move to Birmingham Phoenix reflects the team's effort to enhance their bowling attack with her pace and competitive spirit.

What was already established

Prior to these signings, Duckett was already a prominent figure in England's setup, despite a disappointing Ashes series. Dunkley has been consistently performing since her debut, and Filer has been recognised for her exceptional bowling speed in domestic competitions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The moves are likely to attract increased attention towards The Hundred, potentially boosting ticket sales and viewership. Fans in particular are excited to see how Dunkley and Duckett perform at a venue they consider home.

Businesses and jobs

These signings may influence local businesses around Trent Bridge and Edgbaston, as more fans are expected to attend games, contributing to local economies. Additionally, the increased profile of women's cricket could lead to more investment and job opportunities within the sport.

Policy and regulation

With the new auction format limiting team signings, there is a clear shift in how teams strategise for player acquisitions. This change aims to create a more competitive and balanced league, possibly leading to changes in governance and funding for cricket development programmes.

Numbers that matter

1,065: Runs scored by Sophia Dunkley in The Hundred at an average of 31.32.
8: Wickets taken by Lauren Filer in just six matches for Manchester Originals in 2025.
20.2: Duckett's average during the recent Ashes series, indicating room for improvement.
4: Maximum signings allowed per team for the 2026 season under the new auction format.

Definitions and jargon buster

The Hundred: A professional franchise 100-ball cricket tournament in England and Wales.
Ashes: A Test cricket series played between England and Australia.
Seamer: A type of bowler who relies on seam movement to dismiss batsmen.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As teams prepare for the 2026 season, expect pre-season training to kick off, with players adjusting to their new teams and roles.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The Hundred season will begin in August 2026, and fans will be eager to see how the new signings impact team performances and overall competition.

Signals to watch

The performance metrics of Duckett and Dunkley in domestic competitions leading up to the season.
Fan engagement and ticket sales around the new format and signings.
How the auction impacts team strategies and player movements in cricket.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow the latest news on player performances during pre-season matches.
Engage with local cricket clubs to support grassroots initiatives.

Don’t

Overlook the impact of new signings on team dynamics and fan support.
Miss out on attending matches to witness the evolving cricket landscape live.

Checklist

Stay updated on team rosters and player fitness as the season approaches.
Consider purchasing tickets early for popular matches featuring new signings.
Engage with social media channels of The Hundred for the latest updates and promotions.
Follow player statistics and performance trends leading up to the season.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While these signings have generated excitement, uncertainties remain regarding player form, injury risks, and how well new players will integrate into their teams. The impact of the new auction format on competitive balance is also an evolving concern that could affect team strategies.

Bottom line

The upcoming 2026 Hundred season promises to be an exciting time for cricket fans, especially with new signings like Duckett, Dunkley, and Filer aiming to make their mark. As the teams adapt to changes and the auction format, enthusiasts should prepare for a competitive and engaging season ahead.

FAQs

Who are the latest signings for Trent Rockets in 2026?

Ben Duckett and Sophia Dunkley are the latest signings for Trent Rockets, bringing experience and skill to the team.

What team did Lauren Filer join for the 2026 season?

Lauren Filer has joined Birmingham Phoenix for the 2026 season, enhancing their bowling attack.

What changes have been made to the signing process for The Hundred?

For the 2026 season, teams are limited to four signings under a new auction format, aiming to create a more balanced competition.