In 2021, England Cricket Board (ECB) introduced a revolutionary format in cricket known as “The Hundred” in a bid to attract a new audience to the game. The English Board tweaked the traditional rules of cricket and introduced some fascinating concepts to make the game more interesting.
Was The Hundred a success? Absolutely. In its inaugural year despite the Covid pandemic, 90% of the available tickets were sold. The initial game of the women pulled in an audience of 1.6 million, a record for a women’s match in England. On the other hand, the men also enjoyed similar success. The competition had the luxury of having top stars from around the globe including Rashid Khan, David Warner, and Quinton de Kock made it a big ticket tournament.
It was only a matter of time before The Hundred would return for its second season and this is about to happen with the competition starting on the 3rd of August and concluding on the 3rd of September. A total of 58 matches will be played between eight city-based franchises across eight venues in the UK.
The Hundred: Teams
Birmingham Phoenix
London Spirit
Manchester Originals
Northern Superchargers
Oval Invincibles
Southern Brave
Trent Rockets
Welsh Fire
Inaugural champions Southern Brave start this year as the favourites to win the title yet again with the odds of 4.00 with the online boookmaker bet365. Trent Rockets, who made it to the semi-finals last year, are second-favourites for the title priced at 6.50.
Northern Superchargers head into the tournament as the underdogs with the least favourable odds despite having the bowler with the best odds in Adil Rashid (odds of 13.00) and the second top batter in Faf Du Plessis (odds of 13.00). The reason behind this is likely to be the absence of their premier all-rounder Ben Stokes who has been rested for the tournament by the ECB.
The Hundred Men’s Competition Winner Odds (outright)
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 1, 9:00 P.M. (GMT)
Despite what the odds say, it would be hard to overlook a team like the Manchester Originals as they have assembled a team of match winners. The Originals signed Andre Russell and Wanindu Hasaranga to further strengthen their core. They will be led by Jos Buttler who has been picked to be the top batter of the season with the odds of 10.00 with bookmaker bet365.
Top Batter of the Season Odds (Outright)
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 1, 9:00 P.M. (GMT)
Manchester’s premier leg spinner Matt Parkinson along with Birmingham’s Adam Milne and Northern Superchargers’ Adil Rashid start the tournament as the top bowler with favourable odds of 13.00. Left-arm seamer Reece Topley, who had a wonderful summer for England and is set to play for the Oval Invincibles, also starts the tournament at 13.00.
Top Bowler of the Season Odds (Outright)
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 1, 9:00 P.M. (GMT)
The season opener will be played between defending champions Southern Brave and Welsh Fire at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton on Wednesday, August 3rd.
Will the Northern Superchargers be able to beat the odds or can the Southern Brave reclaim their title? We’ll find out soon. In the meantime, fasten your seat belts as it is set to be an entertaining month for cricket fans.
