Sunrisers Leeds lock in Brook Carse for Hundred 2026

The Sunrisers Leeds made an early statement for The Hundred 2026. They locked in two England internationals, Harry Brook and Brydon Carse. The club confirmed these pre-draft retentions on December 17, 2025. It’s a big move for their batting and bowling. Fans expect a strong campaign, scheduled from July 29 to August 23, 2026. This news broke across their website and social media, with BBC Sport confirming details.

The Sunrisers Core Stays Put

Harry Brook, 26, is a Leeds native. He plays for Sunrisers right at home, a real local star. He’s a dynamic middle-order batsman, can keep wickets too. Brook’s been solid for England, playing 12 T20Is and 15 ODIs since 2022. He’s got 389 T20I runs, strike rate 148.65, with an 81* highest. For The Hundred, Brook is a standout. He scored 343 runs in 14 matches through the 2025 season. His average sits at 42.87, strike rate 156.36. In 2023, he was the top scorer, 282 runs.

Brydon Carse, 30, also stays. He’s a fast-bowling allrounder, originally from South Africa but qualified for England. Carse has 14 T20Is and 10 ODIs under his belt. He took 17 T20I wickets, economy 8.88. For Sunrisers, Carse has 20 wickets in 20 matches. His average is 20.45, best of 4/23. Both were central to the Sunrisers last season, finishing mid-table. Brook gave consistency. Carse brought pace.

These retentions follow ECB salary bands. Brook earns the top platinum band, £125,000. Carse gets the gold band, £100,000. This follows the official Hundred salary structure. The team has two more pre-draft picks left. One man, one woman. The player draft is January 20, 2026, at Lord’s.

Building for Headingley Success

Sunrisers Leeds, once Northern Superchargers, got a rebrand in 2025. Their home is Headingley. The Hundred is an ECB initiative, started in 2021. Eight city-based teams play 100-ball cricket. Men’s and women’s comps run together. Teams can keep up to four players before the draft. This secures their best talent.

Sunrisers head coach James Hildreth gave a club statement.

“Harry and Brydon are the heartbeat of our team. Harry’s flair and Brydon’s fire give us a strong foundation. We’re building something special at Headingley.”

Richard Gould, ECB commercial director, talked to BBC Sport.

“These retentions highlight the growing appeal of The Hundred. Stars like Brook and Carse staying put ensures competitive balance and fan excitement.”

This shows how important the league sees these players.

Alec Stewart, Sunrisers General Manager, spoke to ESPNcricinfo.

“Brook’s consistency and Carse’s X-factor are non-negotiable. We’ve prioritized local talent and proven performers to push for playoffs.”

They want to make the playoffs. That’s a clear goal. On January 5, 2026, Sunrisers also announced their women’s retentions. Lauren Winfield-Hill and Katie Levick are back. This completes their pre-draft quartet.

The January Draft and What’s Next

As of January 10, 2026, these retentions are firm. No changes have been reported. The team has £900,000 left for men’s draft picks. That’s for 13 players. They’re looking for overseas stars. Finn Allen from New Zealand is a target for a platinum slot, sources say. The draft is a big event. It’s on January 20, 2026, 6:00 PM GMT. Sky Sports will broadcast it. Cricbuzz suggests this is a trend across the league.

Brook’s form is excellent. He scored 110* in England’s T20I series against India in December 2025. Carse took 3/22 in the ODIs too. Both are playing well. England selector Luke Wright told The Guardian about it.

“Great to see Hundred teams backing our internationals. Brook and Carse will benefit from more game time ahead of the World Cup.”

This benefits everyone.

Attendance at Headingley went up 15% in 2025. Brook’s local draw is part of that. No injuries or contract issues for either player. Sunrisers has 25% of its roster set. The draft completes the squad. This retention strategy shows The Hundred is maturing. League-wide, 70% of 2025’s top performers are staying. Sunrisers finished 4th in 2025. They’re aiming higher with Brook and Carse leading the charge.