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James Anderson and Rocky Flintoff Among Wildcard Picks for The Hundred 2025
Veteran Anderson Set for Franchise Cricket Debut; Flintoff Jr. Earns Breakthrough Chance
In a major development ahead of The Hundred 2025, England legend James Anderson and teenage prodigy Rocky Flintoff have been announced as wildcard picks for the upcoming season. The ECB’s wildcard draft allows teams to bolster their squads with two additional players who were not picked during the main draft.
Manchester Originals have secured Anderson—who turns 43 just days before the tournament begins—while Northern Superchargers have picked up 17-year-old Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder and current Superchargers coach Andrew Flintoff.
James Anderson Makes Late Career Shift to The Hundred
Lancashire Return Opens Door to Franchise Debut
After two decades of Test cricket dominance, James Anderson is set to make his debut in franchise cricket with the Manchester Originals. His selection comes on the back of a strong return to the T20 Blast 2025, where he claimed 14 wickets in 8 matches for Lancashire Lightning, including a three-wicket haul in his comeback match.
“I’m really looking forward to The Hundred… I’m happy to be part of the Manchester Originals squad,” Anderson said. “It’s a competition I’ve enjoyed watching. The energy is great, and it brings in a younger audience, which is vital for the game.”
This marks a symbolic and practical transition in Anderson’s career as he embraces shorter formats after stepping away from red-ball cricket.
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Rocky Flintoff Earns Spot with Northern Superchargers
Rising Talent Impresses with U-19 Performances
Rocky Flintoff, only 17, is set to join the professional circuit despite having no senior T20 experience. The Superchargers’ faith in the youngster comes after his impressive performances for England U-19, where he scored a century in a 50-over match and a fluent 93 in the youth Test against India.
With his father, Andrew Flintoff, on the coaching staff, all eyes will be on whether the young all-rounder can carry the family legacy forward on one of cricket’s biggest domestic stages.
Other Key Wildcard Signings for Men’s and Women’s Hundred
A Mix of Youth, Experience, and a Dash of Aussie Firepower
A total of 32 wildcard picks were announced—16 each for the Men’s and Women’s Hundred. Notably, Australia’s Hilton Cartwright will replace Faf du Plessis at Southern Brave, as the South African veteran was ruled out due to injury. The Brave also roped in Jason Roy, adding firepower to their top order.
Here’s a breakdown of all Men’s Hundred Wildcard Picks:
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Manchester Originals: James Anderson, Marchant de Lange
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Northern Superchargers: James Fuller, Rocky Flintoff
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Southern Brave: Toby Albert, Hilton Cartwright
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Trent Rockets: Callum Parkinson, Ben Sanderson
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London Spirit: Sean Dickson, Ryan Higgins
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Welsh Fire: Ajeet Singh Dale, Ben Kellaway
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Birmingham Phoenix: Liam Patterson-White, Louis Kimber
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Oval Invincibles: George Scrimshaw, Zafar Gohar
And the Women’s Wildcard Picks:
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Manchester Originals: Esmae MacGregor, Darcey Carter
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Northern Superchargers: Katherine Fraser, Sophia Turner
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Southern Brave: Phoebe Turner, Amara Carr
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Trent Rockets: Grace Thompson, Sophie Morris
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London Spirit: Abi Norgrove, Kate Coppack
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Welsh Fire: Charley Phillips, Alex Griffiths
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Birmingham Phoenix: Mary Taylor, Phoebe Brett
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Oval Invincibles: Daisy Gibb, Rebecca Odgers
🔗 Learn more about The Hundred 2025 on the official ECB website.
