The Hundred
over le u r e th s n u r y e c a r B s England’s Jame . y it v ti c je b o g in h s e fr e r The Hundred with dawn? w e n s t’ e k ic r c r fo t s o c What The 2021 summer has proven a monumental one for the English domestic game. For the first time ever four formats were contested in the men’s game, including a debut for The Hundred and a welcome return to what was a jam-packed playing schedule. It stimulated plenty of debate about how the game needs to look for it to best move forward. The Hundred was an undeniable success, achieving nigh-on everything it set out to. Stands were filled with fans old and new. It was available to watch on the BBC and entertainment was had, due to the high calibre of cricket played. Additionally, franchise opportunities were plentiful for domestic cricket’s best male and female talent. But with new rules and broadcasting style, it took a few matches to bed in for most onlookers. Even the players. There was the same format scepticism when T20 cricket first appeared. Some believe another format is unnecessary,
32 / THEPCA.CO.UK
particularly for the men’s game. Sceptics seeing it as detrimental to the original three pillars of the calendar. Personally, I’m not sure that four formats can all be played to the highest possible standard. But the question to ask has to be, if T20 cricket has benefitted the game like it has ABOVE: Northern Superchargers
bowler Adil Rashid signing autographs. The Southern Brave and Oval Invincibles - inaugural champions of The Hundred.
