Australia all-rounder Ash Gardner will join England batter Tom Banton in returning to Trent Rockets for the 2026 edition of The Hundred.

Gardner, 28, captained the Rockets last summer and will return to Trent Bridge for a third consecutive season, following a winter in which she reached the World Cup final.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old opening batter Banton, who is a two-time Vitality Blast winner and has 31 England white-ball caps, will enter his third year with the Rockets after joining in 2024.

Having made 190 international appearances, Gardner is also known to the Trent Bridge faithful for her haul of 8/66 that helped Australia to victory in the 2023 Women’s Ashes Test.

She was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2024, as well as twice having been recognised with the Belinda Clark Medal, given to Australia’s best international female cricketer.

“I’ve loved both of the last two seasons with the Rockets, and I can’t wait to get over to England again for a third summer at Trent Bridge,” said Gardner.

“With the fresh investment coming into The Hundred, it’s such an exciting tournament to be involved in now, and I’m really looking forward to playing for the Rockets again.”

Banton plies his trade in county cricket for Somerset, but also has extensive short-format experience across the globe, including appearances in the IPL, Big Bash, and PSL.

“I’ve had a brilliant two years so far with the Rockets, and last year’s run to the final was especially memorable,” said Banton.

“Playing in The Hundred is always so much fun, and I can’t wait to head back to Trent Bridge as we look to go one better in 2026.”

Gardner and Banton have re-signed for the Rockets prior to March’s inaugural player auction, which in 2026 is replacing the draft system.

Teams instead now have a total pot to spend on their entire squad, but are permitted to make up to four overseas or England-contracted player signings or retentions before the auction.

A set amount of money is removed from that pot for every direct signing made.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Ash back to Trent Rockets,” said Women’s Head Coach, Chris Read.

“She was an excellent leader last year, as well as a standout with both bat and ball, so we’re very confident she’ll have a big impact in 2026.”

Men’s Head Coach, Peter Moores, added: “It’s great to get Tom back at the Rockets, and he showed last year the impact he can have at the top of the order.

“He is another player who has really come to terms with his game over the last eighteen months and is playing some of the best cricket of his career.

“To add another impact batter to those we’ve already signed is exciting for the upcoming season.”

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