NORTHERN Superchargers will be able to call on some of the world’s highest-profile cricketers after confirming 20 players to be retained across their women’s and men’s squads for The Hundred.

England superstar Ben Stokes headlines an impressive list that also includes Australia women wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, who will provide a major boost after the World Cup winner missed the inaugural competition.

Indian star Jemimah Rodrigues also return after finishing as the second top run scorer last summer, despite playing two games fewer than eventual top scorer Dané Van Niekerk.

Yorkshire aces Hollie Armitage and Adil Rashid will also be back in purple.

The women’s team have retained 10 players with Laura Wolvaardt joining Healy as an overseas signing.

Spinner Linsey Smith returns after she was the Superchargers’ leading wicket taker last year.

The men’s team will be coached by former England wicketkeeper James Foster and he will have the likes of Harry Brook, David Willey and John Simpson in their squad.

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis is also retained after he was unable to play last summer.

Adil Rashid said: “I loved playing in The Hundred last year. It felt like a big competition to match anything else I’ve ever played in around the world.

"You could feel the energy of the crowds every time there was a big six or a key wicket.

"We’ve got a great squad and I’d love to be at Lord’s again lifting a trophy in front of a full house.”

The Superchargers’ men’s team have also retained 10 players with England quick Brydon Carse, Adam Lyth, Callum Parkinson and Matthew Potts joining Stokes, Rashid, Du Plessis, Simpson and Willey.

The women’s team also welcomes back Alice Davidson-Richards, Bess Heath, Beth Langston, Katie Levick, Kalea Moore, Liz Russell in addition to Armitage, Healy, Rodrigues, Smith and Wolvaardt.