Fireworks announced the first match of this season’s Women’s ‘The Hundred.’ Opening Day win for Southern Brave, with match-winning performances with the bat by Smriti Mandhana’s ‘fifty’ with 2 ‘sixes;’ and teen debutante seamer Mary Taylor taking most wickets (3/18.) The match reached its climax when Rockets needed to score 32 runs from ‘The Hundred’ debutante fast-bowler Maitlan Brown (pictured) with just five balls remaining. Previously, Brave were runners-up (twice) to ‘Invincibles,’ against whom they played a ‘friendly’ match last weekend at Arundel Castle. Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports (please see below.) Sky Sports commentators included Isa Guha and Nasser Hussain. Weather at Trent Bridge was cool for August, described as ‘dry,’ ‘breezy’ with passing ‘dark clouds.’

SB-W Innings Skipper Anya Shrubsole  (Lizelle Lee keeping wicket for Rockets) *Internationals: Smriti Mandhana (India), Maitlan Brown (Australia WBBL); Chloe Tryon (RSA) *Without Lauren Bell. *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ Brave were 43/0.*Maia Bouchier 31(18) was caught from a top edge at ‘short third’ by Alexa Stonehouse, from Alana King (1/24) *Left-hander Smriti Mandhana 55(36) was caught at ‘square-leg’ by Jo Gardner, from Bryony Smith (2/34) *Freya Kemp 3(6) was ‘beautifully’ bowled by Naomi Dattani (1/30) *Georgia Adams 1(2) went aerial and was caught by Nat Sciver-Brunt running from ‘mid-to-long-off,’ from the first ball of Kirstie Gordon’s (1/17) ‘death set-of-five’ (‘Gordon’ gaffed by social media as ‘Jordan’) *Four balls later, Maitlan Brown 2(2) was ‘run out’ by Joanne ‘Jo’ Gardner on review, throwing from ‘square’ to keeper Lizelle Lee who’d broken wicket with the final ball leaving Chloe Tyron ‘not out.’ *Smriti Mandhana made top score with ‘fifty’ & Rockets’ best bowler was Bryony Smith 2/34.

TR-W Innings Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Brave) *Internationals: Harmanpreet Kaur (India), Alana King (Australia), Lizelle Lee (Rep. South Africa)*Without Grace Potts. *Bryony Smith went for a first-ball duck in ‘absolute chaos,’ sent back half-way by Lizelle Lee and run-out by former Stars team-mates Kalea Moore and keeper Rhianna Southby. *Naomi Dattani 8(10) sent a dolly to ’square-leg,’ caught by Freya Kemp from Mary Taylor – Dattani and Kemp involved in each other’s dismissals. *Lizelle Lee 11(14) steepled a top-edge from Mary Taylor’s slower ball and a ‘simple catch’ was taken at ‘point,’ by Maitlan Brown. *Harmanpreet Kaur 22(17) steepled was caught short of ‘extra cover’ by Rhianna Southby running leg-side, from Georgia Adams. *Fran Wilson 4(6) was comfortably caught at ‘long-on’ by Maia Bouchier, from Georgia Adams (2/25.) *Nat Sciver-Brunt lobbed a return dolly, caught-and-bowled by Anya Shrubsole (1/23.) *Joanne ’Jo’ Gardner made a carbon-copy of an earlier dismissal, sending a dolly to ’square-leg,’ that was caught by Freya Kemp from Mary Taylor’s (3/18) ‘slower ball.’ *Nat-Sciver-Brunt made top-score one-short-of-‘fifty.’ *Brave’s best bowler was teen debutante Mary Taylor.

Match summary: ‘Opening Day win’ for Southern Brave. Smriti Mandhana scored a match-winning fifty.’ Rockets bowled 30 balls using 3 seamers without joy, but took 3 wickets from spin followed by 1 from seam. Brave posted a ‘healthy’ score – said to be the highest for ‘The Hundred’ women at Trent Bridge. Rockets suffered ‘first-ball-chaos,’ Bryony Smith sacrificed for a run ‘that wasn’t there.’ 4 more wickets fell to mis-timed shots from slower balls. As mentioned above, the match reached its climax when Rockets needed a degree of optimism to score 32 runs from their final five balls.

Match result: Southern Brave Women 157/6 beat Trent Rockets Women 130/7

*Brave batting 157/6: (100 balls @1.57 runs-per-ball) Smriti Mandhana 55(36), Maia Bouchier 31(18), Danni Wyatt 27(27), Chloe Tryon 23*not out;(10); Rockets bowling: Bryony Smith 2/34, Kirstie Gordon 1/17, Alana King 1/24, Naomi Dattani 1/30; Fow 1-65, 2-128, 3-128, 4-139, 5-150, 6-157. *Rockets batting: 130/7: (100 balls @1.3 runs-per-ball; target 158 from 100 balls) Natalie ‘Nat’ Sciver-Brunt 49(31), Harmanpreet Kaur 22(17), Katherine Sciver-Brunt 11*not out (9), Lizelle Lee 11(14), Joanne ‘Jo’ Gardner 10(8); Brave bowling: Mary Taylor 3/18, Georgia Adams 2/25, Anya Shrubsole 1/23; Fow 1-1, 2-12, 3-21, 4-66, 5-77, 6-103, 7-120.

Scorecard & Statistics courtesy of BBC Sport @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000717

Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports @URL https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/cricket/12931978/southern-brave-beat-trent-rockets-by-27-runs-the-hundred-highlights

Winners were assured of playing in the tournament’s final match at Lord’s. Losers were eliminated from this year’s tournament. POTM match hero Tahlia McGrath said she was happy ‘to get the win,’ and ‘excited to play at Lord’s.’ McGrath hit Brave’s second highest score with her bat (31 runs from 29 balls). McGrath also took two wickets (2/36) took two catches and bowled the match-winning ball. After the match, McGrath told TV viewers  she had ‘no idea’ where to bowl to Natalie Sciver. Also, Mignon Du Preez’s caught-and-bowled was ‘a fluke’ – she was doubtful as it might have been (ruled-out as) a ‘bump ball.’ Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with Kass Naidoo, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Simon Doull (NZ), Nasser Hussain and guest Chris Jordan. Also ESPN-cric-info (Andrew Miller); BBC ’No Balls’ co-hosted by Alex Hartley and other social media. Weather was sunny.

Brave’s Innings:

*Skipper Anya Shrubsole.*Bryony Smith opened Rockets’ bowling instead of Katherine Brunt.*Commentators agreed it was ‘good captaincy’ by Australia’s Elyse Villani, to ‘fire-up’ with ‘trial-by-spin.’ *Danni Wyatt edged skyward and was caught at backward square by Sophie Munro for a golden duck, from Bryony Smith. *Hitting two ‘fours,’ from Bryony Smith Sophia Dunkley 8(6) found Georgia Davis unplayable, facing three dot balls. *Third ball described by Nasser Hussain as a ‘nothing-shot’ edged past keeper Abi Freeborn who missed a stumping opportunity. *Fourth ball, Dunkley threw a dolly, caught by Elyse Villani at ‘short-cover’ from Georgia Davis. *Three ‘fours’ were scored and two wickets fell, from the first ten balls. *Katherine Brunt bowled one set-of-five immediately before the power play ended, below par on 31/2. *Three balls later, India’s Smriti Mandhana 16(11) ballooned an edge, caught at backward point by Sarah Glenn; said to be a ‘huge moment.’ *Next three sets-of-five went for ‘ones’ and ‘twos.’ *Australia’s newest recruit Tahlia McGrath pulled two ‘fours’ immediately before ‘strategic-time-out’ was called at mid-way: 56/3. *Restarting with ’spin,’ Tahlia McGrath 31(29) was caught by Sophie Munro wide of ‘mid-off’ from Georgia Davis (2/29.) *Maia Bouchier 29(24) and Georgia Adams 38(24) chalked-up a face-saving fifth-wicket partnership of 43 runs until Bouchier scooped low, caught by Elyse Villani at  ‘mid-off’ from Katherine Brunt (1/17.) *Georgia Adams hit two ’sixes’ from the last ten balls, before shelling out to Katherine Brunt at ‘midwicket,’ from Bryony Smith’s (2/28) final innings ball. ESPN-cric-info reported that Rockets who had bowled most sets-of-ten, had opted for none-at-all in this match

Rockets’ Innings:

Skipper Elyse Villani. *Marie Kelly in for Kathryn Bryce. *Skipper Shrubsole went ‘up front’ with ‘trial-by-seam.’ *Bryony Smith lost-a-life when Maia Bouchier spilled at short-midwicket, from Lauren Bell’s third-ball. At the power play, Rockets were 28/0 (vs 31/2.) Georgia Adams’ spin bagged Bryony Smith 16(15) who was clean-bowled, missing a ‘reverse-sweep.’ *Adams was in action again three balls later, catching skipper Villani 24(25) at ‘short-fine-leg’, from Tahlia McGrath. *During the same-set-of-five Mignon duPreez 1(2) was caught-and-bowled by a doubting Tahlia McGrath (please see above.) *McGrath took another catch low-down, dismissing Marie Kelly 8, from Georgia Adams (2/15.) *At mid-way, Rockets were (vs 56/3.) ‘Strategic-time-out’ was called after 68 balls on 82/4 (vs 78/4) and with 53 runs needed to win. *Two quick wickets fell, ‘turning the game.’ *Alana King 3(5) had a reprieve for a ‘leg before’ appeal, but a few balls later the same bowler – Australia’s Amanda-Jade Wellington(1/30) – bowled King when missing her big-shot. *Wellington extends her lead at the top of the bowler’s-leader-board.*Also, Marie Kelly 8(7) was caught ‘low down’ by Tahlia McGrath at ‘long-on’ from Georgia Adams. *Two more wickets fell as only the top 3 batters on the scorecard had made double-figures. Katherine Brunt 2 (5) was ‘run out’ by a direct-hit with one bounce from Molly Strano (substitute fielder.) *Also Abi Freeborn 2(2) was ‘run out’ Danni Wyatt, from Lauren Bell. *Sciver’s fifty came with 5 ‘fours’ and 2 ’sixes:’ 50 runs from 29 balls *After Natalie Sciver hit Tahlia McGrath for 3 consecutive ’sixes,’ the match went down to the last ball for a cliff-hanger ending.

Summary

Natalie Sciver 72(30) played a ‘monumental’ innings took the match down to last ball. Winning skipper Anya Shrubsole congratulated Natalie Sciver for a ‘great innings,’ worthy of ‘being on the winning side.’ Asked about McGrath’s last ‘set-of-five,’ Shrubsole told TV viewers that she advised Tahlia McGrath to ‘keep to what she knew,’ and avoid bowling ‘wide.’ Separately, Natalie Sciver told TV viewers that stepping away from captaincy enabled her to focus on batting: (‘elevation, line and trajectory.’) Sciver felt ‘mounting pressure’ after Rockets’ wickets fell ‘in the middle.’

Next match: Final at Lord’s between Southern Brave and Oval Invincibles is a repeat of last year. Invincibles as the defending champions are looking to make histrory with ‘back-to-back’ wins.

Result: Southern Brave Women 134/6; beat Trent Rockets Women 132/7 (target 135) by 2 runs

Brave’s batting: 134/6(from 100 balls@1.34 runs-per-ball); Georgia Adams 38(24), Tahlia McGrath 31(29), Maia Bouchier 29(24), Smriti Mandhana 16(11), Bryony Smith 2/28, Georgia Davis 2/29, Natalie Sciver 1/16, Katherine Brunt 1/17; Fow: 1-1, 2-9, 3-32, 4-66, 5-109, 6-134; Rockets’ batting: 132/7 (from 100 balls@1.32 runs-per-ball; target 135 from 100 balls); Natalie Sciver 72(30), Elyse Villani 24(25), Bryony Smith 16(15); Brave bowling: Tahlia McGrath 2/36,  Georgia Adams 2/15, Amanda-Jade Wellington 1/30; Fow: 1-40, 2-42, 3-45, 4-62, 5-84, 6-88, 7-102.

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/southern-brave-women-vs-trent-rockets-women-eliminator-1299169/full-scorecard

Match highlights free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [14m42] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU434ResWOA

Match video free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [33m11/03h29m42s] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM8U94FJZU0

The twenty-first women’s match of ‘The Hundred’ tournament was the last chance for Rockets to secure third place in the ‘Play-offs’ between the tournament’s top-three teams. POTM ‘match hero’ Elyse Villani stood-in as Rockets’ skipper (for Nat Sciver). Australian Villani took two catches and made top-score 55*not out, with her bat. Asked about strategy, she revealed to TV viewers she’d focused on getting into a winning position. Only then did Villani think about net-run-rate targets needed to qualify for the Play-offs. Separately, it didn’t go unnoticed that Scotland’s Bryce sisters were playing against each other, on either side. Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with Kass Naidoo, Simon Doull (NZ), Daren Sammy (WIndies), Dominic Cork, Ebony Rainford-Brent (seen with ice cream), and guest Kate Cross. Also ESPN-cric-info (Hemant Brar and Sampath Bandarupalli); BBC ’No Balls’ co-hosted by Alex Hartley and other social media. Record crowd 10,286 watching women’s cricket at Trent Bridge. Weather was overcast.

Fire’s innings

Skipper Beaumont said that her side was unchanged (but without Hayley Matthews.) *When Tammy Beaumont opened her account with four ‘fours’ from Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce, Fire looked set to ’spoil the party.’ *Change of bowler saw Beaumont 23(26) ballooning a catch taken by Katherine Bryce at deep mid-wicket, from Bryony Smith. *Disaster struck during the power play when Natalie Sciver dismissed two of Fire’s three Australians from the same set-of-five balls. *Rachael Haynes 6(10) was clean-bowled off-stump; and Annabel Sutherland 1(2) went plumb ‘leg before.’ *After 25 balls power play, Fire were 31/3. *Skipper Villani’s first catch arose when Fran Wilson’s mis-timed cover drive 4(10) ballooned a catch at ‘mid-off’ from Bryony Smith’s second set-of-five. *At mid-way, Fire were 51/4. Australian Nic Carey built a fifth-wicket partnership with Sarah Bryce, adding 33 runs. ‘Strategic-time-out’ came after 70 balls: Fire 70/4. Sarah Bryce 23(26) was ‘run-out’ arriving with a flat-out dive, just short of the non-striker’s end. *Sarah Bryce was commended for ’sticking around’ and ‘fought hard.’ *Next set-of-five was a wicket-maiden that saw Katie George 0(5) ‘brilliantly’ caught in the deep by Bryony Smith from Alana King’s slower ball. *Finally, two more wickets fell during Katherine Brunt’s death over. *Villani took her second catch at ‘mid-off’ to dismiss Fire’s third Australian Nic Carey. *Also, Lauren Filer 14(11) was clean-bowled from Brunt’s last ball, Filer missing her customary big shot to finish. *Commentators said that Rockets’ fielding was ‘outstanding’ as they saved runs to keep their hopes of qualifying alive.

Rockets’ innings

Skipper Elyse Villani. *Facing Alex Hartley’s first ten balls, Villani and Bryony Smith made a cautious start. *After 25 balls power play, Fire were ahead on runs from three more balls that crossed the ropes, but behind on wickets. *Rockets were 25/0 (vs 31/3.) Either side of the power play, Tammy Beaumont spilt two catches, giving lives to Smith before the power play, and Sciver afterwards. *Immediately after the power play, Bryony Smith’s 8(15) ‘struggling knock’ ended when caught by Annabel Sutherland from Lauren Filer’s (1/13) third ball. *Change of bowling brought back Alex Hartley (1/27), who took Natalie Sciver’s 5(7) ‘huge’ wicket. Sciver was caught by Claire Nicholas at ‘short-third.’ *At mid-way, Rockets were 46/2 (vs 51/4.) *Skipper Villani had a lucky escape on 66/2, when Fran Wilson got both hands to the ball, diving from ‘deep-square,’ from Lauren Filer. *As mentioned above, decision time came during the ‘Strategic-time-out.’ Match hero Elyse Villani 55*(40) went on to score a skipper’s fifty and carried-her-bat. South Africa’s Mignon duPreez 32*(30) saw Rockets home ‘in style,’ scoring two ‘fours’ from Annabel Sutherland, to close.

Summary

Rockets have won three group-stage matches from their six (awarded 6 points.) During the power play Fire posted a higher score than rockets, initially raising expectations that they could cause another upset. Rockets were ahead at mid-way, with two wickets advantage. Commentators said that Rockets’ fielding was ‘outstanding’ whereas Fire dropped at least four catches that could have changed the course of the game. Instead, Fire had ’not enough runs on the board,’ and Rockets had little trouble chasing down the target by a comfortable margin. Daren Sammy added that Rockets had done enough to keep themselves ‘in the running’ to finish in third place. Commentator Simon Doull added that Rockets had ‘restricted Welsh Fire in style.’  A favourable qualification scenario is for Rockets to join the top two teams already through to the next stage of the tournament (Invincibles and Brave.) Third place will be decided by ‘net run rate,’ between teams placed third on equal points, once all teams have played their six matches at the group stage of the tournament.

Result: Trent Rockets Women 102/2 beat  Women Welsh Fire Women 100/8; by 8 wickets with 18 balls remaining

Fire batting: 100/8 (100 balls @1.00 run-per-over); Nic Carey 27(29), Sarah Bryce 23(26) Tammy Beaumont 16(6) Lauren Filer 14(11); Rockets bowling: Bryony Smith 2/14, Katherine Brunt 2/14, Natalie Sciver 2/22, Alana King 1/10; Fow 1-16, 2-25, 3-31, 4-40, 5-73, 6-74, 7-99, 8-100; Rockets batting: 102/2 (82/100 balls @1.24 runs-per-over; target 101 from 100); Elyse Villani 55*(40), Mignon duPreez 32*(20); Fire bowling: Lauren Filer 1/13, Alex Hartley 1/27; Fow 1-25, 2-28.

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/trent-rockets-women-vs-welsh-fire-women-21st-match-1299165/full-scorecard

Match highlights free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [07m35] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W053_8FAwWQ

Match video free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [32m59/03h38m50] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V56x2l7jBxc

The seventeenth women’s match of ‘The Hundred’ was billed by commentators as the first opportunity for Brave to get through to the next stage of the tournament with maximum points. Brave did this convincingly, by skittling eight of their opponent’s wickets: Rockets setting a new record for the tournament’s lowest score. Commentator Ravi Shastri (India) said that Lauren Bell (4-fer) ‘set the tone’ by taking a wicket with her second ball. *Interviewing Lauren Bell between innings, Simon Doull congratulated Lauren Bell on a ’brilliant performance.’ Bell said she was ‘really happy’ having used ‘slower balls’ and adapted her bowling plan to the conditions (of the pitch.) Awarding POTM match hero to Lauren Bell (pictured), Shastri asked about her game plan? Bell revealed on TV that she hit ‘good length’ to get batters to play ‘off their stumps.’ Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with Ravi Shastri (India), Daren Sammy (WIndies), Darren Gough, Dominic Cork, Tymal Mills, and Simon Doull NZ (featuring Doull with Elyse Villani and Georgia Adams to highlight inclusivity in women’s cricket through the ‘Rainbow Laces’ equality campaign.) Social media including ESPN-cric-info and BBC Sounds ‘No Balls’ co-hosted by Alex Hartley. Weather at the Ageas Bowl stadium was described as ’nippy’ with a ‘fresh breeze’ following overnight rain. Floodlights were switched-on.

Rockets’ innings

Skipper Natalie Sciver (with Meg Lanning ‘ruled-out’) was put in to bat by Shrubsole. *Disaster struck immediately when England hopeful Bryony Smith went for a second-ball duck, caught in-the-deep by Danni Wyatt from Lauren Bell. *Marie Kelly 22(15) played a short cameo until swept aerial to off-side and was caught by diving Sophia Dunkley (avoiding a collison with skipper Shrubsole), also from Lauren Bell. *At the power play Rockets were 28/2. *Skipper Sciver and Australia’s Elyse Villani 25(25) banked 39 runs for Rockets’ third wicket until Villani was caught by Maia Bouchier. Bouchier dived from ‘cover,’ from Australia’s Amanda-Jade Wellington – her first wicket. *After 65 balls, strategic-time-out was called. *With the score on 71/3 after 75 balls, commentator Ravi Shastri said Rockets ‘needed to get a move on.’ *Looking to accelerate the score, South Africa’s Mignon duPreez hit ’six’ from Wellington. *Natalie Sciver 19(30) was stumped by Carla Rudd, going down the wicket to Wellington’s dipping ball – her second wicket. *Mignon duPreez 10(9) was short-lived, attempting a second ‘six’ but caught by Danni Wyatt walking backwards from ‘deep-mid-wicket.’ *Commentators added that Georgia Adams ‘deserved that wicket’ for bowling well. *Finding a top-edge ‘looping up-in-the-air’ from a reverse-sweep, Australia’s Alana King 1(3) was caught at ‘slip’ by Adams from Wellington – her third wicket. *Finally, Katherine Brunt and Sarah Glenn went for carbon-copy dismissals, both caught ‘comfortably’ by Wellington from Lauren Bell’s 98th and 100th balls. *Rockets last five wickets fell for just nine runs.

Brave’s Innings

*Having won the toss at her fifth attempt, Anya Shrubsole told Ravi Shastri jokingly that she’d ‘taken some advice’ from Dominic Cork. *Shrubsole was ‘committed to go one better’ than last year’s final, that she described as a ‘nightmare day.’ *Not having lost a match since then, Brave (had an appetite) to win. *Openers India’s Smriti Mandhana 57*(31) and Danni Wyatt 36*(25) chased down the meagre total with relative ease. *At the power play Brave were 32/0 (vs 28/2.) *At 60/0 (40 balls) batters scores were neck-and-neck: Mandhana 29(20); Wyatt 20(20) with 29 runs required. *Smriti went on to make her ‘fifty.’ *With scores level, Smriti Mandhana launched a final ‘six,’ said to be a ‘finishing touch’ to win the match.

Summary

Brave chalked-up the second ever win by a 10-wicket margin in the tournament’s short two-year history. Rockets set a new record low score 88/8. Previously the inaugural record was held by Phoenix vs Fire. Summing-up, commentator Ravi Shastri said that every time Rockets lost wickets every time they ‘looked to push the score along’ (needing to post a defendable score.) POTM match hero Lauren Bell made her first 4-fer (4/17) of the tournament, moving into second-place on the tournament’s bowling-leader-board with a tally of nine wickets. Australia’s Amanda-Jade Wellington remains top of the leader board (11 wickets) having made her third 3-fer (3/21) in this game (also taking two catches.) Brave’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt chased down the meagre total without loss. *Commentators added that Brave’s win today guarantees a place in the qualifier, having accumulated a maximum 10 points from five games with one game remaining at the group stage.

Result: Southern Brave Women 94/0 beat Trent Rockets Women 88/8 by 10 wickets with 44 balls remaining

Rockets batting: 88/8 (from 100 balls @0.88 runs-per-ball); Elyse Villani 25(25), Marie Kelly 22(15), Natalie Sciver 19(30). Mignon duPreez 10(9); Brave bowling: Lauren Bell 4/17, Amanda-Jade Wellington 3/21, Georgia Adams 1/12; Fow 1-0, 2-28, 3-67, 4-79, 5-79, 6-82, 7-88, 8-88. Brave batting: 94/0 (from 56/100 balls @1.22 runs-per-ball; target 89) Smriti Mandhana 57*(31), Danni Wyatt 36(25).

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/southern-brave-women-vs-trent-rockets-women-17th-match-1299161/full-scorecard

Match highlights free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [11m59] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbiDttNzcqk

Match video free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [32m16/03h28m05s] at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX8pdZth0Wc

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

Drama struck during the ninth women’s match of ‘The Hundred’ when Australia’s Alana King (Commonwealth Games gold medallist) became the first bowler to bowl ten consecutive ’dot’ balls when attempting to get Rockets back into the match. POTM match hero was Suzie Bates (Invincibles): skipper for the winning side, scoring 41 runs (from 32 balls). Suzie Bates told Nasser Hussain that she was delighted to be leading a new team as it kept her thinking about the players. Also, she had plenty of experience having skippered for NZ. Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with Ebony Rainford-Brent, Eoin Morgan, Nasser Hussain, Dominic Cork with guest Tammy Beaumont. Also BBC 5LSX, ESPN-cric-info and other social media. Weather was changeable, with no stoppages for rain.

Rockets Innings Skipper Natalie Sciver. No changes. *Bryony Smith 10(11) slog-swept, caught-and-bowled by Sophia Smale; said to be an ‘excellent grab’ from a top-edge. *Rockets’ main partnership between Australia’s Elyse Villani 17(16) and Natalie Sciver 58*(48) chalked-up 33 runs. *After 25 balls power play Rockets were 27/1; and 51/1 by mid-way. *Elyse Villani was run-out by Suzie Bates throwing to Marizanne Kapp at the bowler’s end – signalled ‘out’ by on-field by Umpires;  with late evidence displayed on the big screen (technical delay). *Strategic time-out was taken with drinks. *South Africa’s Mignon duPreez (10) was clean-bowled by Eva Gray (2/16). *Commentators noted that Mignon duPreez has a stance vulnerable to dead straight bowling, when taking strike. Eva Gray was commended for bowling with dead-straight accuracy. *Thereafter Rockets lost 5 wickets for 15 runs, leaving them some way short of a defendable score.*Australia’s Alana King (2) ballooned a catch to Mady Villiers at ‘cow corner,’ from Ryana Macdonald-Gay. *Marie Kelly (0) lobbed a dolly straight back to Alice Capsey, collected low-down to her left for a golden duck. *Next ball, Alice Capsey ran-out Katherine Brunt (1) by spilling her dropped catch from Natalie Sciver onto the non-striker’s stumps. *Realising she was out of her crease, partner Brunt stormed-off, making an undignified exit leaving Alice Capsey gobsmacked with hand-over-mouth. *Abi Freeborn (5) chopped Marizanne Kapp’s slower-ball onto her stumps. Sarah Glenn (1) was caught by Alice Capsey from Eva Gray’s low full-toss. *Commentators curse struck between innings, when Eoin Morgan miscalculated the target – later voiced-over for match highlights.

Invincibles Innings skipper Suzie Bates said that *Alice Capsey, was back. Dane vanNiekerk was unavailable to play, but seen watching, said to have discomfort from her ankle. *Nasser Hussain said that Rockets ‘were on their back foot’ and Natalie Sciver’s tactics would be to bowl her best bowlers ‘straight away.’ Lauren Winfield-Hill 5(7) was caught at mid-off by Sarah Glenn from Bryony Smith. By mid-way, Invincibles were ahead 70/1 (vs 51/1) needing 43 to win. *Alice Capsey 24(18) struck straight down the ground for ‘six’ but was caught short by Katherine Brunt, from Sarah Glenn. *Disaster struck as soon as Suzie Bates 41(32) chopped Sarah Glenn on to her stumps (at 80/3.) *Rockets were said to be ‘back-in-the-game’ as Alana King bowled ten ‘dot’ balls without conceding a run – a feat never before achieved in either tournament. *At that point (still 80/3) Invincibles required 33 runs from 30 balls. *Mady Villers (6) ballooned a catch to Sarah Glenn at mid-off from Bryony Smith; ‘trying to finish it off.’ *Kira Chathli (0) was clean-bowled by Bryony Smith with a bottom-edge for a fourth-ball duck. *Two balls later, Marizanne Kapp 34*(27) struck the winning ‘four’ from Bryony Smith’s death over, with one ball to spare.

Summary Failing to chalk-up a defendable score, Rockets started well with a partnership between skipper Sciver and Elyse Villani. Thereafter, six batters failed to make double-figures. In reply, POTM match hero Suzie Bates laid a good foundation by making top score for the winning team. Invincibles seemed certain of a comfortable win until Alana King bowled ten ‘dot’ balls – the first time achieved in either the women’s or men’s tournament, bringing the home crowd alive. Marizanne Kapp stepped-up to take Invincibles across-the-line for their second win. As the first two teams to play their third match, Invincibles have two wins and one loss, whereas Rockets have one win and two losses. Third-placed Invincibles (4 points) overtake fourth-placed Rockets (2 points.) After the match, Invincibles skipper (and NZ Commonwealth Games bronze medallist) Suzie Bates told reporters that her bowlers ‘did really well.’ Adding: It wasn’t easy to bat, and she was pleased to ‘soak up (spinners) pressure’ through the middle overs. Also that Marizanne Kapp was ‘outstanding.’

Result: Oval Invincibles Women 115/5 beat Welsh Fire Women 112/8 by 5 wickets with one ball remaining

Rockets batting: 112-8 (100 balls 1.12 runs-per-over) Natalie Sciver 59*(48), Elyse Villani 17(16), Mignon duPreez 10(11), Bryony Smith 10(11); Invincibles bowling: Eva Gray 2/16, Marizanne Kapp 1/18, Ryana Macdonald-Gay 1/10, Alice Capsey 1/21, Sophia Smale 1/24;  Fow 1-12, 2-45, 3-75, 4-96, 5-96, 6-97, 7–105, 8-111

Invincibles batting: 115-5 (99/100 balls 1.16 runs-per-over) Suzie Bates 41(32), Marizanne Kapp 34*(27), Alice Capsey  24(18) Rockets bowling: Bryony Smith 3/21 , Sarah Glenn 2/29.  Fow 1-26, 2-73, 3-80, 4-110, 5-110

Scorecard & Statistics at URL:  https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/trent-rockets-women-vs-oval-invincibles-women-9th-match-1299153/full-scorecard

Match highlights free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [06m05] at URL https://www.skysports.com/the-hundred/news/36890/12675291/the-hundred-alice-capsey-chips-in-on-injury-return-as-oval-invincibles-edge-past-trent-rockets

With both teams having won their first match, the seventh women’s match of ‘The Hundred’ was billed by commentators as a ‘local Midlands Derby.’ POTM match hero Amy Jones (pictured) who made top score (44* not out) complemented batting partner Ellyse Perry who struck the winning ‘four’ and ‘remained calm’ when the required-run-rate was ‘creeping-up’. Commentators praised bowler Emily Arlott who took a 3-fer (3/19). Match was broadcast via SKY Sports YouTube channel – please see below – with Ebony Rainford-Brent, Natalie Germanos (South Africa), Dominic Cork and Eoin Morgan. Also, ESPN-cric-info and other social media. Weather at Edgbaston was a fine summer’s afternoon, with high clouds and clearing blue sky; but ’not as hot as it has been’ 18-24C.

Rockets Innings Skipper Natalie Sciver. *Bryony Smith 5(6) was caught-and-bowled by Australia’s Sophie Molineux, from a leading edge. *Commentators curse struck just after after Rockets’ main partnership between Australia’s Elyse Villani 33(25) and Natalie Sciver 31(31) chalked-up fifty runs. *By mid-way Rockets were 53/1. *Villani was caught swinging to ‘deep mid-wicket’ by Australia’s Ellyse Perry, from Georgia Elwiss. *Seven runs later, Natalie Sciver was caught by Sophie Molineux from Emily Arlott, failing to find ‘the middle of her bat.’ *The remainder of Rockets’ innings was a procession of wickets.

*South Africa’s Mignon du Preez (2) was short-lived, caught by Gwen Davies diving forward from ’square,’ from Issy Wong. *Abi Freeborn (5) was caught by Georgia Elwiss at ‘mid-off’ on the circle, from Sophie Devine. *Marie Kelly (1) was caught by Sophie Devine running back with both hands held skyward at ‘mid-on,’ from Emily Arlott’s ‘low full toss.’ *Two balls later Australia’s Alana King ballooned a catch to Sophie Devine at ‘mid-on’, who tumbled with ‘commando rolling’ to complete the catch. *Katherine Brunt (9) was caught by Ellyse Perry ‘low to her left,’ from Georgia Elwiss; at 100/8. *Finally Sarah Glenn (5) fell to a ‘yorker’ from Sophie Molineux. *Thereafter Kathryn Bryce and Gwenan Davies scampered ‘ones’ and ’twos’ during the final set-of-five.

Phoenix Innings *Both openers made double figures. *Skipper Sophie Devine (16) was caught by Alana King, pace-off from Natalie Sciver. Eve Jones (11) snicked a bottom-edge to keeper Abi Freeborn from Alana King’s leg-spin. *Main partnership between Elyse Perry 39*(28) and Amy Jones 44*(32) *Commentators complemented the pair on the timing of their shots. *Ebony Rainford-Brent felt that Rockets’ bowling standard slipped ‘downhill’ in the closing stages of the match when they needed to ‘hold their (bowling) line.’ *Strategic time-out was called on 74/2, with 43 runs needed from 30 balls. *Ellyse Perry hit ’six’ to bring up 100 runs, reducing the run-chase to 1 run-per-ball with 15 balls remaining. *Commentators concluded that they’d seen some world-class catching, adding that having a full complement of Australians (post covid restrictions) made a difference to the overall standard of play.

Summary Failing to chalk-up a half-decent score, Rockets staged one significant partnership between skipper Sciver and Elyse Villani. Eight ‘world class’ catches were taken; and eight batters failed to make double-figures. In reply, Phoenix lost both openers, but recovered well without further loss. POTM match hero Amy Jones partnered by Ellyse Perry saw Phoenix across the line to take their second win. Phoenix go top-of-table, equal on points with Southern Brave (4 points), but with superior net-run-rate (0.83 vs 0.64.) After the match, Phoenix skipper (and NZ Commonwealth Games bronze medal skipper) Sophie Devine said she was ‘really pleased,’ and that her job was made easier by players’ (initiative) having ’ownership of fielding positions.’

Result: Birmingham Phoenix Women 117/2 beat Trent Rockets Women 116/9 by eight wickets (with 9 balls remaining)

Rockets batting: 116/9 (1.16 runs-per-ball, 100 balls); Elyse Villani 33(25), Natalie Sciver 31(31) Kathryn Bryce 12*(8); Phoenix bowling: Emily Arlott 3/19, Georgia Elwiss 2/16, Sophie Molineux 2/22, Issy Wong 1/17, Sophie Devine 1/18; Fow 1-18, 2-70, 3-77, 4-78, 5-85, 6-87, 7-88, 8-100, 9-108. Phoenix batting: 117/2 (1.28 runs-per-ball, 91/100 balls) Amy Jones 44*(32) Ellyse Perry 39*(28), Sophie Devine 16(11), Eve Jones 11(21); Rockets bowling: Alana King 1/18, Natalie Sciver 1/24; Fow 1-22, 2-29.

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/birmingham-phoenix-women-vs-trent-rockets-women-7th-match-1299151/full-scorecard

Match video free-to-air from SKY Sports YouTube [33m30/3h30m13] at URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9K3A-W7w0w

Playing for Rockets, Australian Gold medallist and POTM ‘match hero’ Alana King said she was ‘pumped-up’ after taking the first hat-trick of this year’s tournament (please see highlights below, courtesy of SKY Sports.) Stand-in skipper Elyse Villani (who missed out on Australian Commonwealth Games selection) congratulated King who’d bagged three ducks. Alana King finished with a 4-fer (4/15.) Setting the scene beforehand, commentator Dominic Cork wished both captains better luck than for their first matches in last year’s Women’s ‘The Hundred.’ The match was broadcast via SKY Sports (Mark Butcher, Lydia Greenway, Dominic Cork and Nasser Hussain); BBC i-player; Radio 5LSX (Scott Read, Deep Dasgupta, with guests including Thea Brookes). Also ESPN-cric-info (S Sudarshanan, Hemant Brar) and other social media. Weather at Old Trafford was a hot summer’s day, without rain 24-28C.

Rockets’ Innings *Rockets were skippered by Australian Elyse Villani, standing-in for Nat Sciver, (also minus Meg Lanning.) Skipper Villani (4) was out to Hannah Jones’ first ball, ‘leg before’ attempting ‘reverse-sweep.’ *Opener Marie Kelly was ‘cramped on the leg-side’ by Deandre Dottin and caught behind fourth ball, by Originals’ keeper Ellie Threlkeld. *By the power play, Rockets scored 30 runs from 25 balls. *South Africa’s Mignon duPreez (9) was short-lived, out to a skied short delivery from Kate Cross, caught by Hannah Jones at ‘third man:’ said to be a ‘massive blow.’  *England’s Sophie Ecclestone stemmed the scoring rate, clean-bowling England hopeful Bryony Smith 16 (from 14.) *Rockets reached 57/4 by mid-way. *Abi Freeborn and Katherine Brunt’s fifth-wicket partnership added 45 runs; until Brunt was caught by Emma Lamb at ‘extra cover:’ said by commentators to be a ‘soft dismissal’ lacking ’elevation’ needed to clear the fielder. *Alana King hit the first two ’sixes’ of the innings. *Drama struck with eight balls to go, when keeper Ellie Threlkeld was struck under her helmet grille. Play was halted by Umpires for a routine concussion check. Rockets closed ‘around the 120 mark’ as pundits had predicted: on 119/5.

Originals’ Innings *Commentators beefed-up the ‘all-Katherine’ bowling attack. *Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce’s fifth ball castled England’s Emma Lamb for second-ball duck. *Lamb was ‘looking to turn to square or fine’ and lost her leg-stump. *Five balls later, WIndies’ star Deandre Dottin spooned a leading-edge catch to Marie Kelly from Alana King’s leg-spin for another second-ball duck. *Having got her team off to a ‘perfect start’, opener South African Lizelle Lee was caught by Sarah Glenn ‘running backwards’ and diving to take a spectacular one-handed ‘catch-of-the-tournament’ from Kathryn Bryce’s bowling. *By the power play, Originals scored 21 runs (vs 30) from 25 balls, needing 99 to win. *Sarah Glenn stayed in the limelight as NZ Amy Satterthwaite (9) came down the wicket to her first ball and was promptly stumped by Abi Freeborn. *Originals reached 40/4 by mid-way (vs 57/4). *Disaster struck the hosts when Alana King scored a ‘hat-trick.’ *Firstly, Cordelia Griffith (12) was tempted by a fielding gap between ‘cover’ and ‘point,’ and bowled by King’s ‘slower ball.’ *Secondly, Sophie Ecclestone (who took to the field with vociferous home crowd approval) went plumb ‘leg before’ without scoring. *Thirdly, skipper Kate Cross was bamboozled by Alana King’s leg-spin for another golden duck. *On 67/8 after 75 balls, Originals needed an unlikely 53 with 25 balls, with only two wickets remaining.

Summary Rockets having posted a defendable score ‘around the 120 mark,’ went on to skittle their opponents for 76 all out, inflicting Originals with a ‘heavy defeat.’ Rockets’ Abi Freeborn top-scored with an unbeaten 45*. Alana King had a perfect day scoring 19* that included two ‘sixes’ with her bat. King also, took four Originals’ wickets with her leg-spin – including a memorable hat-trick; plus a diving catch to dismiss Originals’ Ami Campbell. World-class batters Deandre Dottin and Emma Lamb both failed to score. Exceptionally, seven Originals’ wickets fell to spin-bowling. Eight batters failed to reach double-figures with four ‘ducks.’

Result: Trent Rockets Women 119/5 beat Manchester Originals Women 76/10 by 43 runs with 13 balls remaining

Rockets’ batting: 119/5 (100 balls, 1.19 runs per-ball); Abi Freeborn 45*(38), Alana King 19*(9), Bryony Smith 16(14), Kathryn Brunt 13(17); Originals’ bowling: Deandre Dottin 2/21, Kate Cross 1/19, Hannah Jones 1/20, Sophie Ecclestone 23/1; Fow 1-5, 2-21, 3-38, 4-43, 5-88.

Originals’ batting: 76/10 (87 balls, 0.87 runs-per-ball; target 120 from 100 balls); Lizelle Lee 17(13), Ami Campbell 13(18), Cordelia Griffith 12(15); Rockets’ bowling: Alana King 4/15, Kathryn Bryce 2/2, Sarah Glenn 2/14, Bryony Smith 1/16; Fow 1-15, 2-17, 3-21, 4-37, 5-45, 6-45, 7-45, 8-67, 9-72, 10-76.

Scorecard & Statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/manchester-originals-women-vs-trent-rockets-women-3rd-match-1299147/full-scorecard

Match video [3h33m46] starts at 31m11 at URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJuK8ITl-iY with highlights of Alana King’s hat trick at URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F8eo4ZnkQc

Sciver sits third on the ICC T20 all-rounder rankings and shone at the recent Women’s T20 World Cup. She scored over 200 runs in the tournament, with three half-centuries in four innings, as England reached the semi-finals.

A hard-hitting batter, and an inventive medium-pace bowler, Sciver brings captaincy experience from her time leading the Surrey Stars in the Kia Super League; lifting the trophy in 2018.

Trent Rockets’ women’s squad, with eight players announced so far, features her fiancée, Katherine Brunt, as well as Australian duo Elyse Villani and Sophie Molineux. England spinners Mady Villiers and Sarah Glenn also feature, with Beth Langston and Kathryn Bryce bringing more international experience.

Sciver said: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to captain Trent Rockets for this summer’s competition. It promises to be a great spectacle of sport and I’m excited by the squad we’re putting together.

“It’ll be fun to play alongside Katherine for a few weeks on the field and her international experience will be great for some of the younger players in our team. We’ve also got two of England’s most exciting young spinners in the squad in Mady and Sarah, while Sophie and Elyse offer more high-quality short format experience.”

Salliann Briggs, Trent Rockets women’s team head coach, said: “I’ve known Nat for a long time since her early years in the sport, so I can’t wait to work with her again now she’s one of the world’s best players.

“She has impressed as a captain in domestic competitions before and I have full confidence she’ll get the best out of the squad in The Hundred. Her international experience in one of the world’s best short-format teams will undoubtedly help our chances of success this year.”

For the men’s squad, Gregory made his England debut on the tour of New Zealand before Christmas before going on to lead England Lions in four matches on their unbeaten tour of Australia.

The Plymouth all-rounder has also led Somerset in the Vitality Blast in for the last two seasons and has earned a reputation as a big-hitting finisher, which his T20 strike rate of 146 attests to.

Gregory will lead more big hitters in the shape of Alex Hales, D’Arcy Short and Dawid Malan as the Rockets strive for success, with number one draft pick Rashid Khan the ace in the pack for the Trent Bridge side.

Gregory said: “I can’t wait to lead this team out at Trent Bridge this summer. We’ve got so many iconic local players that the support from the crowd should be incredible.

“There’s great balance in our squad, with batsmen who can hit the ball out the ground, seamers who can knock over stumps and spinners who can tie opposition up in knots.

“With Stephen Fleming at the helm and the firepower in the dressing room, I think we’ve got a great chance of challenging for the title in the first year.”

Stephen Fleming, Trent Rockets’ men’s team head coach, said: “Lewis has all the attributes required to skipper our side this year and I’m confident he’ll get the best out of our talented squad.

“He’s got a good temperament on the field and works well with his players to achieve results. He’s also one of the best white-ball all-rounders in the country, who will add a huge amount to the team.”

Trent Rockets’ men’s team start their campaign in The Hundred on Sunday 19 July against Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge, while the women’s side begin against Welsh Fire on 25 July in a double-header with the men’s side in Nottingham.

To celebrate the latest player signings this week, tickets are back on sale for the women’s competition for a limited time only (9– 16 March). For more information, tickets and priority access to all games head to www.thehundred.com.

Courtesy of the ECB