England skipper Ben Stokes pulls out of The Hundred as crucial Ashes series looms

England captain Ben Stokes has pulled out of The Hundred tournament in a bid to focus on the Ashes later this year.

According to reports from ESPN Cricinfo, the 33-year-old won't play for the Northern Superchargers after a consultation with head coach Andrew Flintoff.

Stokes is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue - which he initially suffered during the domestic tournament, before aggravating it in the Test series against New Zealand.

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The all-rounder has battled numerous injuries throughout the course of his career and has opted to save himself for what looms as a crucial campaign in Australia.

England have not held the Ashes urn for almost a decade and will be up against it when they travel Down Under for the five-game series, beginning in November.

Before they take on their old rivals, England will also host India for a five-Test series in the middle of the year, which Stokes is also hopeful of lining up in.

Much of the potential success of Brendon McCullum's side relies on Stokes being able to contribute with both bat and ball - something that has been difficult due to fitness woes.

In the absence of Stokes for this year's Hundred campaign, the Superchargers will use Harry Brook as their centrally-contracted player worth almost $400,000 AUD.

The likes of Colin Ingram, Adil Rashid and Aussie star Matt Short are also signed with the team, with the competition set to commence in August.