Jason Roy demonstrating exactly why I sometimes have doubts over 20/20 cricket. First three balls of the innings, dot-6-4-W. He tried the same shot three times (ok purists, a bit of an exaggeration) and any of them could have had any result. Still, looks like a fun afternoon in the roasting sun. Going to be some sore heads later….
Anyone watching the inaugural Hundred match? Women’s game first Manchester Organics v Oval Invisibles. Or something. Lots of graphics. And neon colours. 6 for 1 off 12 balls though you have to look in three different directions simultaneously to get this info from the screen on the Beeb.
Really don't see the need for this format. Good of one of the commentators to explain what swing means, though.
Totally agree…..I’m not a fan of the Test game (though that makes my cricket loving mate mad) and much prefer the one days (for a great day out) and the T20s for the bish/bash spectacle, so really can’t see the point of this new format. Adding to the fact that I’m struggling to get behind a team right now, but will, probably adopt the London Thingees as they are closest aligned to my team Middlesex. Will try to watch the game tomorrow and see if it grabs me
Had a bet on the Oval Invincibles tonight in the 100 purely for interest but really struggling to see what this format offers that T20 cricket doesn’t. Any suggestions?
I don’t think it’s for us, people who already understand and like the game. I’ve concluded that it is nothing more than a marketing exercise to get ‘new’ people interested in cricket, essentially by reducing the jargon (what’s an ‘over’ dad?) and operating in base 10. To be fair I don’t think they are pretending that it’s anything else. Of the 7,000 in the ground for the record attendance at a women’s match last night, 4,000 had free tickets (key workers - you could get one- kids etc), an obvious loss leader. Hence all the shiny stuff around it, the neon, the graphics, the idiot proofing. If it works and more kids start playing as a result, good luck to them. Why they couldn’t do the same with 20/20 is beyond me though.
My thoughts totally mate….didn’t they try that with the T20 game here ? Snazzy names (Spitfires ?) Brightly coloured kit ? I just don’t see how having 20 balls less and 5 ball ‘overs’ really changing anything….I reckon they’ve missed a trick and could have really changed things with the format….say if in 5 balls there is no boundary then you lose a wicket (that’s just off the top of my head and very random)
Maybe in time it will find it's own level of interest. I suppose 2.5 hours time limit is ideal for a family evening out and still time for a bite to eat and keeps any kids interested. I must admit originally I was not a fan of T20 but it's grown on me and can be a bonkers game, you have to feel sorry for the bowlers in that format who are just there to be belted all around the ground, and I can't really see how the 100 is an improvement........
I’m gonna watch the Hundred tonight and weirdly finding myself drawn in. Still don’t think it’s offers any more than T20 but it’s entertaining in its own way. I’ve just got to work out what is a decent score I’ve bet on the Trent Rockets
I've watched a few games now, and it is entertaining, but I just don't see the need for it. Some of the Women's games have been good, with a high standard of cricket on show. It's striking how much the fielding has improved in the Women's game