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Trent Rockets have earned a direct entry into the Hundred Men’s 2026 final after finishing the league stage at the top of the points table. With the showpiece scheduled to be played at Lord’s on Sunday, August 16, the Rockets will have a valuable opportunity to go one step further than last season, when they finished runners-up.
The Rockets have been the standout side of the 2026 campaign, winning six of their eight league matches to secure the top spot and avoid the Eliminator. Their consistency has been built around a powerful batting unit, a versatile all-round department and a varied bowling attack.
Captain Sam Billings will now have to make one important selection call: whether to stick with the combination that took the Rockets through the league stage or make a tactical adjustment for the Lord’s final.
Here is the predicted Trent Rockets playing XI for the Hundred Men’s 2026 final.
Finn Allen is expected to open the innings. The New Zealand batter was one of Trent Rockets’ headline overseas signings and provides explosive intent from the first delivery.
His ability to attack the powerplay can give the Rockets an early advantage and take pressure off the middle order.
Ben Duckett should continue as Allen’s opening partner. The left-hander has been one of the most consistent batters in the competition and has already demonstrated his ability to score at a rapid rate.
Duckett’s ability to manipulate the field and attack spin makes him particularly valuable in the Hundred’s shortened format.
Tom Banton is likely to occupy the No. 3 position and take the wicketkeeping gloves.
The aggressive right-hander was retained by the Rockets and brings experience of the format. His ability to accelerate immediately after the powerplay makes him a dangerous player for the opposition to contain.
Captain Sam Billings should bat at No. 4. The England wicketkeeper-batter has considerable experience of pressure matches and has led teams to multiple Hundred titles. Trent Rockets officially appointed him captain for the 2026 campaign.
Billings’ role could be especially important in the final, where the ability to absorb pressure and rotate the strike can be just as valuable as boundary-hitting.
Tim David is the Rockets’ designated power hitter and should retain his place in the middle order.
The Australian was their biggest investment at the auction, commanding a £350,000 price tag. His ability to clear the ropes against both pace and spin gives Trent a formidable finishing option.
If the Rockets need 50-60 runs from the final 30-40 deliveries, David could be their most important batter.
Lewis Gregory is likely to provide balance at No. 6. The experienced all-rounder returned to Trent Rockets after previously winning the competition with the franchise in 2022.
His ability to contribute with the ball and provide late-order runs gives Billings flexibility when managing the XI.
Mitchell Santner should be the primary spin-bowling all-rounder. The New Zealand veteran has already shown his value during the campaign, including a blistering 52 off 23 balls against MI London.
Santner’s economical left-arm spin could also be crucial at Lord’s, particularly during the middle phase.
Craig Overton should continue as one of the team’s seam-bowling all-rounders. His ability to bowl hard lengths and contribute useful runs down the order makes him a valuable member of the side.
He also gives Billings an additional option if the main bowlers encounter difficulties.
Calvin Harrison could feature as the second specialist spin option. His leg-spin provides a useful contrast to Santner’s left-arm orthodox bowling.
Against a strong opposition middle order, Harrison’s ability to attack the stumps and create wicket-taking opportunities could be significant.
Matt Henry is expected to lead the pace attack. The New Zealand seamer offers experience, accuracy and the ability to take wickets with the new ball.
He will be particularly important during the opening set of five, when the Rockets will look to put early pressure on the opposition.
Ben Sanderson could complete the XI after becoming one of the final additions to the Rockets’ squad through the Wildcard Draft.
The Northamptonshire seamer provides another reliable pace option and has enjoyed a productive season in English domestic cricket.
Finn Allen, Ben Duckett, Tom Banton (wk), Sam Billings (c), Tim David, Lewis Gregory, Mitchell Santner, Craig Overton, Calvin Harrison, Matt Henry, Ben Sanderson
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