Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis will lead Northern Superchargers in The Hundred after Australia's Aaron Finch opted out of the competition, the organisers confirmed on Friday (July 2).

Several foreign players have pulled out of the inaugural 100-ball-a-side tournament due to the COVID-19 related challenges and the organisers announced their replacements on Friday.

See Also: Kane Williamson opts out of The Hundred; Lungi Ngidi set to join Welsh Fire

Du Plessis replaces Australia's white-ball skipper Finch, who will be on national duty with the tour of West Indies.

The Proteas batsman joins the likes of England all-rounder Ben Stokes, spinner Adil Rashid and Australia's Chris Lynn at the Superchargers.

"It is a real honour to lead Northern Superchargers in their first season. Playing alongside the likes to Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid and Chris Lynn alongside a number of talented young players will be really exciting. I can't wait to get going in a few weeks time," Du Plessis was quoted as saying on The Hundred's website.

Proteas women’s cricketer Laura Wolvaardt comes in as replacement for star Australian wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy at the Superchargers.

The South Africans are well represented in the tournament as the franchises have secured the services of Sun Luus (Welsh Fire), Shabnim Ismail (Oval Invincibles) and Imran Tahir (Welsh Fire).

New Zealand pacer Adam Milne and the batting duo of Finn Allen (Birmingham Phoenix) and Colin Munro (Manchester Originals) will also take part in the tournament.

The 100-ball cricket event is set to kick-off from July 21 with the opening game between the women’s team of the Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals. It will be followed by a clash between the men’s teams of the same franchises on the next day.