Both sides gain their second point, having seen their first two matches this season washed-out by wet weather.

Match result: ‘Match abandoned without a ball bowled’ courtesy of BBC Sport @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66415607

Before the match, Amanda-Jade Wellington (Manchester Originals) provides an Australian player’s perspective as one of the leading wicket-takers playing in the women’s The Hundred.

Please see ’The Secret Life of Wello’ Episode 6: Washed-out game and travel to Manchester via YouTube :@URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcR14FKwM0c

The twenty-second women’s match of ‘The Hundred’ tournament was a ‘must win’ match for Phoenix to qualify for the ‘Play-offs’ – which they failed to do. An extraordinary match unfolded, as Spirit’s memorable four-wicket win knocked Phoenix out of the tournament. Some of the ‘world’s best batters’ on both sides, failed to reach double-figures. POTM match hero Naomi Dattani (pictured) put paid to any thoughts of Phoenix’ rejuvenation, lobbing a ‘sensational’ catch into Alice Monaghan’s hands. Dattani told TV presenter Charles Dagnall that she was ‘glad’ Alice (Monaghan) was there (to receive the catch). Dattani also staged ‘an incredible’ batting partnership scoring 28 runs (from 29 balls, strike rate 96.6); with teenager Grace Scrivens. Following Spirit’s top-order batting collapse, together they posted a seventh wicket partnership of 57 runs from 55 balls. Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with Kass Naidoo, Charles Dagnall, Natalie Germanos (Australia), Lydia Greenway, and Darren Gough. Also ESPN-cric-info (Ekanth and Ashish); BBC ’No Balls’ co-hosted by Alex Hartley and other social media. Weather at Lord’s was described as fine.

Phoenix Innings

Skipper Sophie Devine (NZ) Ria Fackrell and Gwenan Davies were playing. *Phoenix needed not only to stay in third-place, but also improve their net-run-rate (with another match result unknown) to improve their chance to qualify for the Play-offs, at the next step of the tournament. *Only two batters made double-figures. Australia’s Sophie Molineux 3(3) was caught at ‘backward point’ by Amelia Kerr from Freya Davies’ first ball. *Australia’s Megan Schutt (2/14) was on a hat-trick when two wickets fell in consecutive balls. *Amy Jones 5(9) was clean-bowled by Schutt. *Next ball fellow Australian Ellyse Perry 0(1) was caught for a golden duck by keeper Beth Mooney – said to be a carbon copy of Perry’s Edgbaston dismissal. *Eve Jones survived Schutt’s hat-trick ball. *After 25 balls power play, Phoenix were 21/3. *Skipper Devine (9) was ‘run out’ at the non-striker’s end by Charlie Dean from mid-wicket, with bowler Grace Scrivens whipping-off the bales.* At mid-way, Phoenix were 41/4. *Another breakthrough came when Georgia Elwiss 14(13) ballooned a catch to Nancy Harman, from Danielle Gibson. *Gibson took a catch at ‘deep-midwicket’ to dismiss Issy Wong (3), from Amelia Kerr (NZ); said to be ‘a huge loss.’ *Top scorer Eve Jones 24(30) was caught by Charlie Dean – diving backwards to take an ‘outstanding’ catch, from Grace Scrivens (1/11.) *Emily Arlott 7(10) was ‘sensationally’ caught as Naomi Dattani who intercepted a ‘six,’ flicking the catch back to Alice Monaghan, from Danielle Gibson (2/12). *Ria Fackrell 2(2) was run-out when scampering for a second run, as Danielle Gibson made an ‘exhibition’ dive, astutely thowing to keeper Beth Mooney ‘who did the rest.’ *Finally, Gwenan Davies (6) lost her balance when finding her top-edge, caught at backward point by Alice Monaghan, from Amelia Kerr (2/17.) *Darren Gough told viewers he’d seen ‘one of the best’ fielding masterclasses in the tournament’s two-year history. *Phoenix chalked-up the ‘fourth-lowest’ score in the women’s tournament. *Overall, having won their first three matches, Phoenix lost their next three.

Spirit Innings

Nancy Harman in.*Skipper Charlie Dean was ‘absolutely outstanding,’ having been ’thrown in at the deep-end.’ *Dean admitted she wasn’t ‘a massive leader;’ but had ‘learned much in a short space of time,’ in Heather Knight’s absence. *Previously, Spirit relied upon on Australia’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist Beth Mooney to make good scores. *It came as a shock when Mooney was ‘run-out.’ *After 11 balls, commentators then described a ‘horror run chase’ with three wickets down, only 2 runs on-the-board; and 81 runs still required. *Firstly, Danielle Gibson (0) and secondly, Beth Mooney (1) were both ‘run-out.’ *Skipper Devine scored a direct-hit at the stumps. *Thirdly Amelia Kerr was caught by Eve Jones from Emily Arlott. *Having suffered a carbon copy batting collapse, Spirit were close behind at the power play: 11/3 (vs 21/3.) Sophie Luff 8(14) was caught from a leading-edge by Ellyse Perry ‘with ease,’ from Emily Arlott (2/9.) *Skipper Charlie Dean 6(13) played-on to Georgia Elwiss, (said to be ‘over the moon’) *Drinks were taken on 21/5. TV pundits switched-sides, predicting Phoenix to win. *Alice Monaghan was bowled ‘straight-through-the-gate.’ *POTM Naomi Dattani partnered by Grace Scrivens, together posted 57 runs. In a tight finish, they scampered the winning 2 runs from the 97th ball with 3 balls remaining.

Summary

As mentioned above, it was an extraordinary scene as the bottom-of-the-table underdogs defeated their third-placed opponents. Some of the ‘world’s best batters’ failed to ‘stand-up’ (to their reputations to score runs.) As mentioned above, Match hero Naomi Dattani  took a spectacular catch, lobbed inside the boundary to Alice Monaghan to complete the catch. With the bat, Dattani, partnered by Grace Scrivens, staged a ‘brilliant comeback’ to see Spirit home – proving TV pundits completely wrong. After the match, Spirit’s skipper Charlie Dean said that she was pleased that Naomi Dattani ‘got her opportunity’ today; (to show what she could do) and the ‘immense’ crowd helped. Darren Gough said that Spirit’s catching and ‘team-work’ was ‘first-class.’ Lydia Greenway added that finishing the tournament with a win should give Spirit added confidence for next year’s tournament. Spirit finish in 7th place with their second win. Presenter Charles Dagnall signed-off with: ‘What a day we’ve had!’

Result: London Spirit Women 8/6 beat Birmingham Phoenix Women 82/10; by 4 wickets with 3 balls remaining

Phoenix batting: 82/10 (94/100 balls@0.87 runs-per-over); Eve Jones 24(30), Georgia Elwiss 14(13); Spirit bowling: Danielle Gibson 2/12, Megan Schutt 2/14, Amelia Kerr 2/17, Freya Davies 1/8, Grace Scrivens 1/11; Fow 1-10, 2-15, 3-15, 4-32, 5-57, 6-64, 7-69, 8-73, 9-76, 10-82. Spirit batting: 83/6 (97/100 balls@0.85 runs-per-over target 83 from 100); Naomi Dattani 28*(29), Grace Scrivens 26*(30); Phoenix bowling: Emily Arlott 2/9, Georgia Elwiss 2/20, Sophie Molineux 1/11, Ria Fackrell 1/19; Fow 1-1, 2-2, 3-2, 4-20, 5-21, 6-26;

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/london-spirit-women-vs-birmingham-phoenix-women-22nd-match-1299166/full-scorecard

Match highlights free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [11m36] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuDHXcL9Jlc

Match video free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [32m20/03h28m05s] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmgk6XKtGHI

The ninteenth women’s match of ‘The Hundred’ tournament was billed by commentators as a ’London Derby clash,’ between Invincibles whom commentators said were ‘stronger on paper’; and Spirit who’d struggled without England skipper Heather Knight. Invincibles hit the stumps ‘on a regular basis’ with Mady Villiers bagging a 4-fer. Only three players have taken four wickets (4-fers) in a single match (to date). Villiers(4/12) ranks second in the single-match bowling leader-board. Lauren Bell is top (4/10); and Australia’s Alana King is third (4/14.) Receiving POTM ‘match hero’ from presenter Ravi Shastri, Mady Villiers bowled 20 balls for 12 runs and took 4 wickets. Villiers said she’d never bowled ten-in-a-row ‘so well’; and (playing conditions were suitable for) a ‘bit of turn’ and ‘change of pace.’ Between innings, Invincibles skipper Dane vanNiekerk (South Africa) told Charles Dagnall that ‘batting is something we do to win.’ Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with Zainab Abbas, with Charles Dagnall, Ravi Shastri (India), and Daren Sammy (WIndies) and guest England’s Tammy Beaumont. Also ESPN-cric-info (Ekanth and Sruthi); BBC ’No Balls’ co-hosted by Alex Hartley and other social media. Weather at Lords was bright and sunny: 18-24C

Spirit Innings

Skipper Charlie Dean – unchanged team. *Spirit lost their first three wickets with only 11 runs on the board. *Disaster struck third-ball when Danielle Gibson 0(2) was caught from a top-edge at ‘mid-off’ by Suzie Bates (NZ) for a second-ball duck, from Mady Villiers. *Continuing with a second ‘set-of-five,’ (Australian Commonwealth Games Star) Beth Mooney 3(5) was caught by Alice Capsey at ‘cover.’ *Commentators said that was a ‘double blow,’ with four runs on the board. *Bowling change saw Sophie Luff 1(3) snicked the thinnest of edges (from ‘ultra-edge’) and was caught behind by keeper Lauren Winfield-Hill, from South African Shabnim Ismail’s first ball. *Amelia Kerr (NZ) struck the only ‘four’ during Spirit’s power play (score 15/3.) *Kerr and skipper Charlie Dean added 27 runs until Winfield-Hill stumped skipper Dean. *Charlie Dean 18(20) became stranded coming down-the-wicket to Alice Capsey. *By mid-way, Spirit were 37/4. *Naomi Dattani was given a life when dropped by Kira Chathli, from Eva Gray with 50 runs posted on the scoreboard. *Mady Villiers returned for her second set-of-ten, clean-bowling Dattani 5(10) with her fourth ball, clipping the top of middle-stump *Three balls later Villiers also bowled Grace Scrivens 4(13) knocking back her leg-stump with a yorker. *As mentioned above, Villiers bowled 20 balls for 12 runs and took 4 wickets, earning her POTM. *Fresh bowlers took two more quick wickets. Alice Monaghan 3(4) was ‘run-out’ by Shabnim Ismail’s fast reflex throw from ‘long-on’ to the bowler’s end where Sophia Smale ‘brilliantly’ broke the wicket at non-striker’s end, upon TV Umpire’s review. *Four balls later, top-scorer Amelia Kerr 31(31) was judged ‘leg before’ on the knee-roll, to Eva Gray. *Freya Davies 5(8) hit Shabnim Ismail (2/20) through deep-mid-wicket for ‘four,’ but two balls later was clean-bowled by Ismail. *Finally, Australia’s Megan Schutt 3(7) was clean-bowled by Eva Gray (2/10) with three balls remaining.

Invincibles Innings

Skipper Dane van Niekerk. Suzie Bates (NZ) playing for Marizanne Kapp (South Africa.) After 25 balls power play, Invincibles were 45/0 (vs 15/3) Suzie Bates 31(20) hit four ‘fours’ and the only ‘six’ of the entire match. Bates was the only wicket to fall, until caught behind by keeper Beth Mooney, from teenager Grace Scrivens (1/23.) Charlie Dean bowled a tight set-of-ten balls for six ‘singles,’ before mid-way. After 50 balls Invincibles needed 18 runs to win 63/1 (vs 37/4.) Eight balls later, Lauren Winfield-Hill 44*(28) struck 4 more ‘fours,’ including the final ‘four’ (from her tally of 7 ‘fours’) to win the match.

Summary Spirit were unable to stage any kind of come-back as Invincibles made light work of their run-chase, losing ‘just the one wicket.’ London Spirit were motivated to ‘get a big win’ but became deflated after chalking-up the third-lowest total score in the tournament’s short history: 80/10. Commentators were right to say that Invincibles were ‘stronger on paper’ as this proved to be the case when they hit the stumps ‘on a regular basis.’ POTM Mady Villiers took four of Spirit’s first six wickets. Amelia Kerr and Charlie Dean ‘tried to rebuild’ the innings without any support from tail-enders who departed ‘in a procession’ for single figures. Invincibles go forward to the play-offs, aiming to defend their inauguaral title with back-to-back wins.

Result: Oval Invincibles Women 82/1 beat London Spirit Women 80/10 by 9 wickets (with 42 balls remaining)

Spirit batting 80/10 (from 97/100 balls @0.82 runs-per-over) Amelia Kerr 31(31), Charlie Dean 18(20); Invincibles bowling: Mady Villiers 4/12, Eva Gray 2/10, Shabnim Ismail 2/20, Alice Capsey 1/17; Fow 1-1, 2-4, 3-4, 4-31, 5-53, 6-57, 7-67, 8-69, 9-79, 10-80; Invincibles batting 82/1 (from 58 balls @1.41 runs-per-over; target 81 runs from 100 balls) Lauren Winfield-Hill 44*(28); Suzie Bates 31(19), Spirit bowling: Grace Ballinger 1/23; Fow 1-55.

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/london-spirit-women-vs-oval-invincibles-women-19th-match-1299163/full-scorecard

Match highlights free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [06m16] at URL: https://www.skysports.com/the-hundred/video/36891/12683259/oval-invincibles-dominate-london-spirit

Match video free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [04m26/02h44m20s] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNnlRvXeBS8

The sixteenth women’s match of ‘The Hundred’ was billed by commentators as a dead rubber: ’bottom-of-table-clash’ with slim chance of either team making the play-offs. Spirit bowlers struck first when Freya Davies pictured clean-bowled England’s Tammy Beaumont and Australia’s Annabel Sutherland with consecutive balls, raising crowd expectation for a hat-trick. A little later, Davies did indeed take a third wicket ‘3-fer’ (3/25): when Katie George was caught by Australian Megan Schutt. POTM match-hero was awarded to Australia’s Beth Mooney who chalked-up half the runs for a home-team win (61*39 with strike-rate 156.4). Mooney also made two keeper’s stumpings.  Separately, Beth Mooney went top of the batting-leader-board, bagging 201 runs-to-date. Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with commentators Isa Guha, Lisa Sthalekar (Australia), Lydia Greenway, Carlos Brathwaite (WIndies), Nasser Hussain and Dominic Cork; with guests South Africa’s Dane van Niekerk (first-timer) and Lauren Winfield-Hill (Invincibles.) Also with participation via player’s microphones in the field, from Sophie Luff (Spirit) and Katie George (Fire). For BBC2 & BBC (Wales): Aatif Nawaz, with first timers Moeen Ali and Issy Wong. Social media including BBC Sound: ‘No Balls’ (co-hosted by Alex Hartley) and ESPN-cric-info. Weather: hot afternoon with blue sky and ‘a few’ clouds 18-22C

Fire Innings

Tammy Beaumont (skipper) said Maddy Green (NZ) replaced Hayley Matthews (WIndies). *Scotland’s Sarah Bryce was promoted to open the batting.  *From the field, Sophie Luff told commentators that Spirit were hoping for ‘a couple of wickets’ during the power play, but after 25 balls, Fire were 38 without loss. *Drama struck before mid-way when Freya Davies took two wickets: Tammy Beaumont 19(14), and Annabel Sutherland (0.) *Sutherland receiving ‘the perfect delivery,’ as judged by Issy Wong (commentating.) *Fire’s first 50 runs came from 37 balls. *Second pair of wickets fell either side of mid-way 62/3, within six balls of each other. *Sarah Bryce 33(25) lofted high over mid-off, and was caught by Megan Schutt from Amelia Kerr (NZ.) *Also, Maddy Green 10(13) (NZ) was clean-bowled by Danielle Gibson (1/14) at 64/4 after 55 balls. *Fran Wilson (7) was short-lived, caught by Charlie Dean from Megan Schutt. *As mentioned above, Katie George was caught by Megan Schutt at long-on (score 107/6); handing Freya Davies her ‘3-fer’(3/25.) Two wickets fell on the same score when Nic Carey (Aus) was stumped by Beth Mooney, coming down the wicket to Amelia Kerr’s slower ball; and Claire Nicholas was run-out for a golden duck by Charlie Dean’s throw from ‘extra-cover’ to keeper Beth Mooney(109/8). *Lauren Filer was stumped by Mooney from Megan Schutt (2/26); leaving Alex Hartley and Hannah Baker ’not out.’

Spirit Innings

Skipper Charlie Dean, with Heather Knight said to be ‘ruled-out.’ Promoted to open the batting with Beth Mooney, Danielle Gibson scored 24 of the 32 runs from the first 19 balls: that provided ‘proper entertainment,’ hitting ’six.’ Commentator Aatif Nawaz said that Gibson ’took the game by the scruff-of-the-neck’ until Gibson’s innings was interrupted by Annabel Sutherland’s ‘proper bouncer.’ When Maddy Green took the catch, commentators said it was a ’turning point’ in the game. Third Umpire gave ’no ball, for height’ said to be a ‘rare decision.’ Gibson was called back to the crease. Carlos Brathwaite commented on the pressure from Annabel Sutherland’s set-of-five ending the power play 25/0. Just after mid-way, Danielle Gibson 34(27) was ‘unlucky to find a fielder,’ caught by Sutherland, after hitting Lauren Filer’s short ball well. Commentators complemented England wannabe Danielle Gibson on her ‘amazing performance.’ Strategic-time-out was taken after 60 balls, on 82/1; Spirit needing 38 runs. On player’s microphone, Katie George expressed a little disappointment that earlier, Fire had ’not quite fired with the bat,’ despite playing ‘good cricket.’ With 20 balls remaining, Sophie Luff 12(13) mis-timed a vertical catch taken by Tammy Beaumont, from Claire Nicholas. The highlight of the closing stage was Beth Mooney’s ‘fifty’ from 9 ‘fours.’ Mooney also struck the winning ‘four’ to carry-her-bat on 61*not out (from 39 balls); bagging a total of 201 runs – the most runs scored so far in this years’ tournament.

Summary

An entertaining ‘dead rubber’ with Fire looking set to receive the tournament’s wooden spoon. Although Fire started well by  making a better power play score (38/0 vs 25/0); Spirit caught-up by 30 balls. England’s Freya Davies made the first breakthrough taking two early wickets within two balls (Tammy Beaumont and Annabel Sutherland). Another pair of wickets fell either side of mid-way (Sarah Bryce and Maddy Green.) Wickets were thrown away in the closing stage, to chalk-up a defendable score once 100 runs was reached. Fire finished on 119, on a ‘carpet’ pitch for 130. Drama struck during the host’s reply when Umpires ruled Danielle Gibson ‘out’ but summoned her back, because of an unusually high bouncer that was ruled ’no ball.’ POTM Beth Mooney made top score and carried her bat, scoring half the runs needed to win from just 39 deliveries. Commentators added that Mooney goes top of the batting-leader-board with 201 runs, overtaking South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt 195. After the match Megan Schutt showed viewers her grazed arm from diving into the boundary rope to save ‘four.’

Result: London Spirit Women 122/2 beat Welsh Fire Women 119/9 by 8 wickets (with 14 balls remaining)

Fire batting: 119/9 (from 100 balls@1.19 runs-per-ball) Sarah Bryce 33(25), Tammy Beaumont 19(14), Nicola Carey 28(21), Maddy Green 10(13); Spirit bowling: Freya Davies 3/25, Amelia Kerr 2/14, Megan Schutt 2/26, Danielle Gibson 1/14; Fow 1-46, 2-46, 3-62, 4-64, 5-95, 6–107, 8-109, 9-114. Spirit batting: 122/2 (from 86/100 balls@1.41 runs-per-ball; target 120 from 100 balls) Beth Mooney 61*(39) Danielle Gibson 34(17), Sophie Luff 12(13); Fire bowling: Claire Nicholas 1/18, Lauren Filer 1/22; Fow 1-66, 2-100.

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/london-spirit-women-vs-welsh-fire-women-16th-match-1299160/full-scorecard

Match highlights free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [7m01] at URL: https://www.skysports.com/the-hundred/video/36891/12680698/london-spirit-claim-first-the-hundred-victory

Match video free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [32m16/03h28m05s] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LfC2aD5FKM

Record crowd for women’s cricket at Trent Bridge (10,133) turned out for the twelfth women’s match of ‘The Hundred.’ Rockets skipper Natalie Sciver (pictured) celebrated her 30th birthday, seven runs short of her ’fifty’ (43*not out); and received the crowd’s roaring approval anticipating a hat-trick after taking two wickets with consecutive balls. When batting with Bryony Smith, Sciver put on a match-winning second-wicket partnership of 97. But it was Bryony Smith who was  awarded POTM ‘Match hero’ for bagging top-score: not only for launching two crowd-pleasing ’sixes’ (top-scoring with 63); but also for bowling ten dot balls from 20 deliveries (and taking 1/17). By comparison, Sciver collected a vertical catch from Australia’s Beth Mooney, from her own bowling. Sciver (2/20) also castled Alice Monaghan for a duck, with her next ball. Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with commentators: Ebony Rainford-Brent, Natalie Germanos (South Africa), Simon Doull (NZ), Robert Croft (Wales) and Dominic Cork. Also BBC 5LSX, ESPN-cric-info and other social media. Weather was cooler, sunny with blue sky and high cloud 16-20C.

Rockets’ Innings

Skipper Natalie Sciver reported ’no changes.’ *After 25 balls power play, Rockets were 37/0. Australia’s Elyse Villani 24(20) was clean-bowled by Amelia Kerr’s (NZ) ‘higher’ flighted ball. *At mid-way, Rockets were 57/1. *Rockets’ first-and-second fifties each took 35 balls. *Strategic time-out was called after 56 balls, with 76 runs on-the-board. *POTM match hero Bryony Smith 63(44) scored her first tournament ’fifty,’ closing with 8 ‘fours’ and two ‘sixes.’ *Together with skipper Sciver 42*(34), their second-wicket partnership banked 97 runs until Smith was caught by Dani Gibson from Amelia Kerr (2/33). *Mignon duPreez 3 (South Africa) was run-out by Charlie Dean, sacrificing herself from the non-striker’s end. *Finally, seamer Megan Schutt (1/21) bowled three ‘dot’ balls and took a wicket, when fellow Australian Alana King was caught by Amelia Kerr for a second-ball duck. *Afterwards, Alana King told interviewers that the match ‘felt like a reunion’ (seeing Internationals from the Australian Women’s Big-Bash League.)

Spirit’s Innings

*With no changes, skipper Charlie Dean had elected to bowl first. *Australia’s Beth Mooney (13) swung a vertical skier to ‘silly-mid-on’ and was caught-and-bowled by Natalie Sciver. *Alice Monaghan played-on for a golden duck. *Next ball, an expectant home crowd vocalised, hoping for Sciver’s birthday hat-trick; (Spirit on 25/2.) *After 25 balls power play, Spirit were 30/2 (vs 37/0.) *After a ‘laborious knock,’ Grace Scrivens 8(18) missed a ’reverse sweep:’ and went ‘leg before’ to Australia’s spinner Alana King. *At mid-way, Spirit were 55/3 (vs 57/1.) Amelia Kerr anchored Spirit’s innings 26(19) adding 38 runs with Naomi Dattani 38*(34) until Kerr missed a sweep, going plumb ’leg before’ to Sarah Glenn (1/36.) Dattani finished with Spirit’s top scorer, undefeated 38*not out with 2 ‘fours’ and one ’six.’ *Dani Gibson 12(7) played a seven-ball cameo for 12 runs until top-edged to Sarah Glenn at ’short-fine-leg,’ from Bryony Smith’s spin. *Strategic time-out was called with Spirit needing 48 runs from the last 20 balls. *Commentators seemed certain that Rockets bowlers were ‘keeping it tight’ and ‘giving nothing’ (away). *Katherine Brunt bagged her first tournament wicket this season when Sophie Luff 6(7) was caught at ‘extra cover’ by Marie Kelly, from Brunt’s slower ball. *By the time skipper Charlie Dean 9*(5) arrived at the crease, Spirit faced a lost cause, requiring 31 runs from the last seven balls. *Dean was afforded two final ‘fours’ from her opposite number, finding gaps between fielders standing inside the circle.

Summary 

Even before a ball was bowled, commentators were doubtful that Spirt’s skipper Charlie Dean had made the right decision to make Rockets bat first. There was little to choose between the two teams, when bowling ’dot’ balls (36 vs 37.)  Rockets batters took more risk when facing Spirit’s international bowlers (Megan Schutt and Amelia Kerr) who both took wickets. Bryony Smith bagged her first tournament ‘fifty’ this season for Rockets, partnered by skipper Sciver who made an unbeaten 42. *Commentators felt that Spirit’s run-chase was ‘closed down’ by Rockets ‘tight bowling’ to contain Spirit batters ’Nothing was given away.’ When the final strategic time-out was called, Rockets looked certain of a comfortable win, as the required-run-rate topped more than two runs-per-ball. After the match POTM match hero Bryony Smith told Dominic Cork that she was pleased both with her ‘personal performance’ and (her contribution) to the team.  Rockets move up to third place (4 points): with 2 wins and 2 losses from 4 matches played.

Result: Trent Rockets Women 142/4 beat London Spirit Women 124/6 by 18 runs

Rockets batting: 142/4 from 100 balls (at 1.42 runs-per-ball); Bryony Smith 63(44), Natalie Sciver 42*(34), Elyse Villani 24(20); Spirit bowling: Amelia Kerr 2/23, Megan Schutt 1/21. Fow 1-40, 2-137, 3-140, 4-142.

Spirit batting 124/6 from 100 balls (at 1.24 runs-per-ball, target 143 from 100 balls); Naomi Dattani 38*(34), Amelia Kerr 26(19), Beth Mooney 13(10) Danielle Gibson 12(7); Rockets bowling: Natalie Sciver 2/20, Katherine Brunt 1/12, Bryony Smith 1/17, Alana King 1/19, Sarah Glenn 1/36; Fow 1-25, 2-25, 3-39, 4-77, 5-95, 6-112.

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/trent-rockets-women-vs-london-spirit-women-12th-match-1299156/full-scorecard

Match highlights free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [06m18] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLl7F4sjyn4

Match video free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [31m39/03h27m25s] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xThteCL_F4

The second women’s match of ‘The Hundred’ saw Australia’s Beth Mooney (Commonwealth games gold medallist) set a new record score 97* not out – for the women’s contest but she ended-up on losing-side. One final ’six’ by Freya Kemp (pictured) saw Brave complete the highest successful chase in the women’s competition with six balls still to spare. POTM from the winning side was awarded to Danni Wyatt for 65 runs at a strike-rate approaching two runs-per-ball. Receiving her ‘match hero’ medal, Wyatt was ‘happy to contribute’ and she was working harder in the gym. Match was broadcast via SKY Sports with Mel Jones & Lisa Sthalekar (Australia), Shaun Pollock (South Africa), and guests Charlotte Edwards (Brave’s Head Coach) also Stuart Broad coaching Brave’s Lauren Bell. Also via BBC i-player (Isa Guha, Chris Hughes, with guests including Heather Knight); Radio 5LSX (Melissa Story, Henry Moeran); ESPN-cric-info (Matt Roller & Cameron Ponsonby) and other social media. Weather was a warm summer’s afternoon, 18-22C.

London Spirit Innings

Skipper Charlie Dean stood-in for Heather Knight (injured); won the toss and elected to bat. *Debutante international stars were Beth Mooney, Megan Schutt (both Australia’s gold medalists) and Amelia Kerr (NZ bronze.) *During a one-sided opening partnership, 36 runs came from 25 balls. *Bowling change had ‘immediate impact’ when Grace Scrivens (1) was bowled first ball from Georgia Adams coming around the wicket, skittling her leg-stump. *Sets-of-fives from Australia’s leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington ‘Wello’ and opposing skipper Anya Shrubsole’s seam went for three runs apiece. *By mid-way, Beth Mooney and Amelia Kerr’s second-wicket partnership chalked-up 65/1. *Drama struck during the closing stages, when two wickets fell during Wello’s second over, placing her on a hat-trick. *Firstly Amelia Kerr 37(27) snicked an ‘ultra-edge’ to keeper Carla Rudd. *Next ball, Danielle Gibson was caught-and-bowled by Amanda-Jade Wellington for a golden duck. *Wello’s ‘death over’ claimed a third wicket, when Naomi Dattani (3) was caught at ‘long-off’ by Maia Bouchier. *Beth Mooney 97* (55) carried her bat, three runs short of an inauguaral tournament ‘ton’. *Only 2 Spirit players (Beth Mooney and Amelia Kerr) made double-figures. *Despite this, commentators announced that Spirit’s total of 155 was the ‘second-highest score achieved in the history of the Hundred (women’s or men’s).’

Southern Brave Innings.

Skipper Anya Shrubsole was ‘happy to be bowling,’ looked forward to a ‘great start.’ *Also mentioned debutantes Freya Kemp; Georgia Adams (transferred) and Molly Strano (for fellow Australian Tahlia McGrath.) *After 30 balls, Brave were a nose ahead: 46 without loss (vs 43/1); and were level-pegging after 50 balls (both 65/1.) *India’s silver medallist Smriti Mandhana 19(14) survived a dropped catch by Naomi Dattani at ‘cover,’ from Charlie Dean. Smriti Mandhana ballooned a catch to ‘cover,’ caught by Sophie Luff from Dani Gibson. *Opener Danni Wyatt 65(34) was ‘run out’ by Amelia Kerr’s diving direct hit. *Critical of circumstances surrounding Wyatt’s ‘run out,’ commentators felt that Wyatt had potential that was needed to score the tournamen’s ‘first-ever century.’ *Maia Bouchier (0) fell for a second ball duck, from Amelia Kerr’s googly. *Commentators thought that Beth Mooney was unfortunate not to ‘run-out’ Georgia Adams 18(15) who was trapped a few balls later, ‘leg before’ to Dani Gibson. *Sophia Dunkley 34*(24) ‘regained her composure’ partnered by Freya Kemp, whose match-winning ’six’ over ‘long-on’ saw Brave complete the highest successful chase in the women’s competition, with six balls remaining.

Summary

After the match, Brave’s skipper Anya Shrubsole said that Beth Mooney (97*) ‘was exceptional’ and her team did well ‘keeping (Spirit) to par 140-150.’ Australia’s Amanda-Jade Wellington (3/30) took three Spirit wickets, the first two with consecutive balls when Amelia Kerr was caught behind and Danielle Gibson was caught-and-bowled next ball. Wello’s third wicket, saw Naomi Dattani caught at ‘long-off’ by Maia Bouchier. Australia’s opener Beth Mooney carried her bat, three runs short of the first tournament ‘ton’. Brave chased down Spirit’s total of 155 that previously, was the ‘second-highest score in the short history of the Hundred. Commentators were critical of Spirit’s ‘poor showing in the field’ with too many dropped catches that ‘did little’ to stem the flow of runs. Match hero Danni Wyatt got Brave’s run chase to a good start and Sophia Dunkley played with composure needed to see it through. Freya Kemp hit the winning ’six.’

Result: Southern Brave Women 159/4 beat London Spirit Women 155/4 by 6 wickets with 6 balls remaining

London Spirit batting 155/4 (100 balls, 1.55 runs-per-ball) Beth Mooney 97*(55), Amelia Kerr 37(27); Southern Brave bowling Amanda-Jade-Wellington 3/30, Georgia Adams 1/22; Fow 1-36, 2-123, 3-123, 4-148.

Southern Brave batting 159/4; target 156 from 100 balls (94/100 balls, 1.69 runs-per-ball) Danni Wyatt 65(34), Sophia Dunkley 34*(24), Smriti Mandhana 19(14), Georgia Adams 18(15), Freya Kemp 14*(6); London Spirit bowling Dani Gibson 2/27, Amelia Kerr 1/37; Fow 1-62, 2-97, 3-97, 4-138.

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/southern-brave-women-vs-london-spirit-women-2nd-match-1299146/full-scorecard

Full Match video from SKY Sports free-to-air 3h28m01s at URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsa5lkwPwBs

Footnote: Wello’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games Gold medal journeys (with guests including Tahlia McGrath) appear as ‘The Secret life of Wello’ on YouTube at URL https://www.youtube.com/c/secretlifeofwello

]]> http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2022/08/15/northern-superchargers-vs-london-spirit-at-leeds-headingley/ Mon, 15 Aug 2022 20:45:10 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=44354 Continue Reading →

Today, London Spirit officially announced Trevor Griffin as the Head Coach of the women’s team. His first act in the new role has been to name Heather Knight as the captain of his women’s squad. Eoin Morgan has also been confirmed as captain of the men’s team by Head Coach Shane Warne. These World Cup winning captains will lead their teams in the first season of The Hundred starting next summer.

Knight famously led England to their fourth Women’s World Cup triumph at Lord’s in 2017 in a nail-biting final against India. She is also one of England’s most successful batters and has considerable short format experience, captaining Western Storm to two titles in the Kia Super League (KSL) where she was coached by Griffin.

Heather Knight said: “I’m really looking forward to captaining the London Spirit women’s team in The Hundred next year. With the new format there’s going to be the chance to have a real tactical input as a captain and I’m excited to work that out and also bring together a new team in a new competition.

“It’s also brilliant that Trevor has been announced as coach, I really enjoyed working with him in the KSL and hopefully we can have more success together.

“Our team is now really beginning to take shape, having also recently signed Deandra Dottin. I’m looking forward to working with her, Trevor and the rest of the squad once they’re confirmed.”

Women’s Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as Head Coach of the women’s London Spirit team and I am thrilled to announce Heather as our captain. She is a brilliant cricketer and a natural leader with significant experience in captaining sides. I’m really looking forward to being involved with The Hundred and contributing to this next big step in the development of the professional women’s game.”

Men’s white-ball captain Eoin Morgan joins London Spirit on the back of an outstanding summer, having led England to their first ever ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup win.

Morgan is arguably England’s greatest ever male white-ball cricketer. He is also England’s top run scorer in both One-Day Internationals and International T20s, as well as the most capped cricketer in both formats. He made his Test and IT20 debuts for England at Lord’s, where he will now return as captain of the London Spirit men’s team.

Eoin Morgan said: “I can’t wait to get started as captain of the London Spirit men’s team. It’s going to be a hugely exciting new competition and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.

“The draft went fantastically well for us and we have an outstanding squad with the likes of Mark Wood, Mohammad Nabi and Dan Lawrence in our team.

“As a player and a captain I am always looking for ways to improve and it’s clear from speaking to Shane – who has an amazing cricket brain, about everything from tactics in this new competition to how to get the best from our squad – that this is an exciting opportunity to take cricket forward.”

Shane Warne, men’s Head Coach said: “I am over the moon to have Eoin as our captain. He has had a truly unforgettable year and we all know that he is an outstanding leader. I believe he can give our team the edge in The Hundred.”

The five-week competition will start on July 17, 2020, with the London Spirit men’s team kicking off their campaign at Edgbaston against Birmingham Phoenix on July 18. The women’s team competition starts on July 29 during the London derby double header against Oval Invincibles at the Kia Oval.

For the latest news and priority access to tickets visit thehundred.com.

Courtesy of the ECB