The Hundred: England's 100-Ball Cricket Competition
The Hundred is England's 100-ball-per-innings cricket competition, launched in 2021. Featuring eight city-based franchises, it was designed to attract new cricket audiences and competes alongside the established T20 Blast.
The Hundred is England's 100-ball-per-innings cricket competition, launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021 (delayed from 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic). Eight city-based franchises compete: Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, Oval Invincibles, Southern Brave, Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire. Each innings consists of 100 balls, with bowlers bowling in consecutive blocks of five or ten balls rather than traditional overs of six. Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave have been among the most successful teams in the competition's early years.
The Hundred's Format Innovation
The Hundred uses several format innovations designed to make cricket more accessible to new audiences: a countdown of balls remaining displayed prominently, bowlers bowling in blocks (5 or 10 consecutive balls) rather than traditional overs, a change of ends every 10 balls, and a strategic timeout mid-innings. The format was designed to be simpler than T20 for non-cricket fans to follow — 'a hundred balls, simple as that.' The Hundred matches are also shorter than T20 internationals in actual playing time, making them more compatible with family evening schedules.
Controversy and the County System
The Hundred created significant controversy within the county cricket community. County clubs receive a share of The Hundred's revenues but the eight franchises are ECB-owned entities, not county sides. The Hundred's July-August window compresses the T20 Blast and County Championship schedule. County players can be 'picked up' by Hundred franchises in a draft process. Critics argued The Hundred undervalued county cricket's heritage and structure; supporters argued it was necessary to attract new fans and broadcast rights income. The competition's long-term commercial success — particularly its women's competition — has softened some of the opposition.
Frequently asked questions
How is The Hundred different from T20 cricket?
In The Hundred, each team faces exactly 100 balls (rather than 20 overs of 6 balls = 120 balls in T20). Bowlers deliver in blocks of 5 or 10 consecutive balls rather than 6-ball overs. The change-of-ends rule and ball countdown are also unique to The Hundred. The format was designed to be simpler and faster than T20.
Which teams play in The Hundred?
Eight city-based franchises: Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, Oval Invincibles, Southern Brave, Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire. The franchises are ECB-owned entities, not traditional county sides.
Who can play in The Hundred?
The Hundred features England domestic players selected through a draft process, plus overseas players (up to three per XI). Top international players from around the world play in The Hundred, and ECB contracted England players are centrally allocated to franchises. The women's and men's competitions run in parallel.