The Hundred

All the promises of this new comp attracting the cream of the International stars, didn't materialize last year for various reasons, & will have less still this time round, despite a small month long window from August to September, as it clashes with many bi-lateral series, the Asia Cup & the CPL.
Uncertaincy over the availability of many top overseas players has led to 5 of the 11 vacant top bracket picks going to our own domestic players. Babar Azam, Warner, Pooran, & Lockie Ferguson were all unsold.

The recently retired David Lloyd wrote an article in the mail last week, including his belief that Test Cricket will be dead in 10 years with only a few Marquee Series, including the Ashes remaining. The overload of domestic T20 comps being the main issue. Yet we throw money at a new one that only we play.

Last years champions Southern Brave started their 2nd season by beating Welsh Fire, as they chased a target of 108, with 31 balls remaining, & losing only one wicket.

An all London derby tonight (6.30pm) as the Oval Invincibles host London Spirit. Will be interesting to see how Eoin Morgan goes, after his International rertirement.

I kind like watching it but hate that all our top stars are away from Somerset at the moment playing in the 100,

^^ That would explain Somerset 119 all out, which Notts knocked off inside 12 overs for a 10 wicket win in a 50 over match.
Yorkshire are without 9 players, not including injuries, they lost by 7 wickets to Lancs who fielded 2 overseas, we didn't field any.

Northern Superchargers chased down a target of 162 against Manchester Originals.

Best thing about the Originals v Superchargers match was the wicketkeeper surnames.

Salt and Pepper

Will Smeed scored the first hundred in The Hundred last night, as Birmingham Phoenix beat Southern Brave by 58 runs. Smeed has made a habit of making 90's, with 94,97,98, & 99 in T20's, & 90 in a 50 over match against South Africa.
Birmingham's other star performer was Henry Brookes with 5-25.

I find it hard to get into this competition.

It's supposed to be a city based competition, but London gets two teams.
And there isn't a team in South West England.

(11-08-2022 11:58 )Charlemagne Wrote:  It's supposed to be a city based competition, but London gets two teams.
And there isn't a team in South West England.

London has a population of more than 9m. The largest city in the south west is Bristol with a population of less than 0.5m.