With a new cricketing format and an entirely new tournament, the ECB’s inaugural season of The Hundred is already under way and it’s actually been quite entertaining.
The women’s and men’s tournaments are running simultaneously. The new format and rules take getting used to but there is something exciting about this novel new competition. South Africans have already made an impact in the competition which began this week.
We look at which South Africans are playing and for which of the eight shiny new teams they’ll play for.
Birmingham Phoenix
Players: Imran Tahir
The legendary South African leg-spinner was always going to be snapped up by some franchise. At 42-year-old he still delivering in the shorter formats of the game. He will play his first match on Friday 23 July.
London Spirit
Players: Chloe Tyron (W) and Roelof van der Merwe
Veteran South African all-rounder Chloe Tyron will play her cricket for London based side. She can make an impact with bat and ball in this competition.
On the men’s side, former Protea all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe has always been signed.
Manchester Originals
Players: Colin Ackerman, Mignon du Preez (W) and Lizelle Lee (W)
The Originals have snapped up two quality and experienced players in the destructive batter Lee and the reliable du Preez (she’s been capped over 100 times in ODI and T20 international cricket). Both know how to score big runs and chase totals.
For the men, top-order batter Colin Ackermann could potentially play a crucial role in the team as the tournament progresses. He missed out on selection in the Originals tournament opener where they lost.
Super Northern Chargers
Players: Laura Wolvaardt (W) and Faf du Plessis
The Chargers have snapped two classy right-handed South African batters. Expect both du Plessis and Wolvaardt to be crucial members of their respective teams. Runs at the top of the order will be imperative from them.
Oval Invincibles
Players: Colin Ingram, Dane van Niekerk (W), Shabnim Ismail (W) and Marizanne Kapp (W)
The Invincibles really showed their intent by capturing three of South Africa’s best players in van Niekerk, Ismail and Kapp. All three have already made an impact in the competition with van Niekerk stealing the show in the opening match of The Hundred.
Colin Ingram was not as impactful but his aggressive middle-order batting will eventually have an impact.
Southern Brave
Players: Quinton de Kock
Southern Brave have signed the best South African batter and alongside Devon Conway, they could prove to be a formidable opening batting pair. De Kock is also in some form internationally and will be brimming with confidence and ready to set the tournament alight.
Trent Rockets
Players: Marchant de Lange
The fiery quick knows English conditions very well as he plies his trade with Somerset. There is always a need for someone to bowl over 140 clicks and de Lange can do just that.
Welsh Fire
The left-handed du Plooy has bags of talent and has shown glimpses of it for Derbyshire this season. He can bowl and bat and in this new format he could become a valuable commodity for Welsh Fire.
