Manchester Originals have confirmed the women’s and men’s stars they have re-signed to return to Emirates Old Trafford this summer for the third year of The Hundred.

Fans at Emirates Old Trafford will be delighted to see the return of the world’s top-ranked bowler Sophie Ecclestone for the women's team, and Ecclestone will be joined by Deandra Dottin, Ellie Threlkeld and Emma Lamb.

Ten of the men's players who took the Originals to The Hundred Final last year have been retained, including captain Jos Buttler, England opener Phil Salt and Ireland’s Josh Little. Despite not being able to appear in 2022, Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has also been retained.

Rashid Khan, Jofra Archer, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Smriti Mandhana and Glenn Maxwell are among the list of players who have been retained by other teams in The Hundred.

Across both competitions, 114 players have been retained in total, meaning 134 spots remain to be filled at The Hundred Draft powered by Sage, and across the open market process in the women’s competition.

Teams in the men’s competition are able to retain 10 players, and women's teams can retain four of their players. Six men’s sides have retained all 10, while Welsh Fire – under the new leadership of Australian great Mike Hussey – will have eight places to fill at The Draft, at which they’ll have the first pick.

The women’s competition will be hosting a draft for the first time, with the likes of England stars Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt and Kate Cross, as well as a host of international players, up for grabs. Manchester Originals will have the third pick in the women’s draft. The final list for The Hundred Draft powered by Sage is due to be confirmed on February 28.

The Hundred will kick off its third year at Trent Bridge on Tuesday 1 August with a Trent Rockets v Southern Brave double-header the first of 68 games that promise high-octane men’s and women’s sporting action, live music, and a host of family-friendly entertainment. 

More than half a million people attended games during The Hundred’s second year in 2022, including a record-breaking 271,000 watching live women’s fixtures across the competition and more families buying tickets than in 2021.

There will be an initial, exclusive window to purchase tickets from 15-28 March for anyone who has previously bought tickets for The Hundred. Those yet to attend can sign up in advance at thehundred.com for priority ticket access from 5–18 April. Tickets will then go on general sale on Thursday 20 April. Tickets this year remain great value in line with 2022 pricing, with prices set at £5 for juniors aged 6-15, free for children five and under, and adults starting from £10.