The Hundred | An Off the Bat Reaction

Carlos Braithwaite, do you remember the name? For most of those heading to the Manchester Originals clash against Birmingham Phoenix prior to attending, the answer would have probably been no. Their answer after the match? Most definitely yes.

The Hundred Defies Expectations In Opening Week 

Braithwaite Amongst Competition’s Early Stars (H3)

It’s fair to say those who the Hundred are trying to attract aren’t likely to have known about West Indies all-rounder, Carlos Braithwaite, or his exploits in the 2016 International T20 World Cup final against England. Needing 19 to win from the final over, the explosive batsman hit four consecutive sixes to secure the World Cup in dramatic fashion.

Ringing out to millions worldwide, the words of former Windies pace bowler on commentary, Ian Bishop remain just as famous as the knock itself. Screaming down the microphone after the then 28-year-old hit his final maximum, “Carlos Braithwaite remember the name” provided the perfect description to one of the sport’s most iconic moments.

After a staggering career since the 2016 World Cup, Braithwaite is once again batting himself into the headlines in English cricket’s latest ‘big thing’, the Hundred.

Strolling out to the Old Trafford crease, with the Originals needing just three to win off a healthy 25 balls, Braithwaite found the ropes with his second stroke, to win the match for his new side.

The Hundred Begins with a Bang 

A competition that has burst onto the scene in a similar fashion to Braithwaite’s playing style, the Hundred has so far been flashy, frantic, but also functional.

Many criticisms of the Hundred were made before it began, yet a week since it launched into our stadiums and onto our screens, English cricket has never looked healthier. It isn’t for the traditionalists, but it isn’t designed to be.

Those who are turned off by the fire cannons, DJ booths and ostentatious graphics, will in some way already be catered for, be that through the increased calendar of international test matches, or more localised County Championship fixtures. That’s exactly what has made the Hundred so good, it isn’t cricket as we know it.

Batting Away Criticisms Early On

Granted, there have been some questionable early choices made by the organisers, like the confusing decision naming the only side north of Nottingham and east of Leeds, the Manchester Originals, despite covering for the entirety of Lancashire.

Or the white piece of card the umpire rotates above their head to denote a change of bowler. But, they will no doubt evolve with the competition, or make more sense as we begin to better understand the new format.

What has made the Hundred so exceptionally good, is just how entertaining the matches have been. Barring the Birmingham Phoenix’s ill-fated knock against Manchester Originals, most of the fixtures have been tight affairs, with ties going to the wire.

South African captain, Dane van Niekerk’s winning boundary three balls from the end during the tournament’s opening match for the Oval Invincibles set the tone for what was to come.

England international, Jonny Bairstow hit 56 in the Welsh Fire’s first match, whilst Marchant de Lange became the first bowler to take a fifer during the Trent Rocket’s convincing victory over the Southern Brave.

All before, Alex Hales lead the Trent Rockets’ dramatic recovery from 58-6, to match the Northern Superchargers’ target of 133 in one of the tournament’s early stand out matches.

As the slogan goes, “every ball counts” and so far it seems to be the importance placed on every delivery by a bowler and each stroke of the bat by a batter, that has excited viewers so much.

The Hundred Is Here to Stay 

With a healthy blend of established international cricketers and promising gems from the domestic setup, the Hundred has struck gold early on. 

Providing a platform for young home-grown cricketing talent to showcase their abilities on a global stage, can only bode well for England’s chances in not only the upcoming T20 World Cup, but in all white-ball formats going forward.

Boasting high-value entertainment, some of cricket’s most exciting names and equal emphasis on both the men and women’s competitions, the Hundred is rewriting the rules of short-format cricket in England and across the world.