Next summer sees launch of a new domestic cricket competition in the UK called The Hundred, featuring Nottingham’s very own Trent Rockets!
The tournament is made up of eight city-based franchise teams, including our own Trent Rockets. It has been designed with the goal of increasing the participation in cricket amongst the young and raising the profile of cricket in a football-mad nation.
So with the new kits being released, here’s my ranking from best to worst.
- London Spirit
This team is based at Lord’s in north London and features England’s World Cup-winning captain, Eoin Morgan. I’m a big fan of this kit – it’s a very classy dark blue. I like the simple design, and that the sponsor fits neatly on the shirt.
2. Northern Superchargers
This team are based in Leeds and has World Cup and Ashes hero Ben Stokes have as their star player. I really like this kit – the only thing letting it down is the size of the badge.
3. Manchester Originals
The Originals will play their games at Old Trafford and have England’s Jos Buttler as one of their stars. In a poll on The Hundred’s website The Originals are currently winning with 24%of the vote. I can’t agree with that but, I like the black and grey combination, especially with the black trousers.
4. Southern Brave
Southern Brave will play at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. They have recruited one of the most exciting prospects in cricket in lightning-fast bowler Jofra Archer. Too much going on in this kit with three different shades of green.
5. Oval Invincibles
The other London-based franchise are called the Oval Invincibles who will play their home games at the Oval in South London. England’s opening batsman Jason Roy will be one of their main attractions. This shirt lacks imagination and is painfully similar to the one worn by Surrey. I’m also not a fan of the emojis on the shirt.
6. Trent Rockets
The team I’m sure you will be most interested has to be the Trent Rockets who will play at Trent Bridge, less than 2 miles from City campus. England Test captain Joe Root will be their star player along with local heroes Alex Hales and Harry Gurney. Trent Rockets are bottom of the current poll with only 7% of the vote. I can see why. I don’t mind the colours, but the “Skips” logo just takes over the whole shirt.
7. Welsh Fire
Based in Cardiff, the Welsh Fire have England star Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton, one of the most thrilling young talents around, in their side. There’s nothing much to say about this kit, it lacks imagination and would probably be nicer if it had black trousers.
8. Birmingham Phoenix
Lastly, we have Birmingham Phoenix who will play at Edgbaston. They have England’s Chris Woakes and local boy Moeen Ali. This is by far the worst kit in my opinion – too many bright colours and the horrible “Butterkist” logo seems to dominate.
Overall thoughts
The launch of these kits has caused a lot of comment and controversy, as all the teams are sponsored by snack brands. Health specialists have criticised this decision, saying that unhealthy food shouldn’t be promoted in this way, especially when the target audience is children and families.
Simon Stevens, the NHS chief executive described the sponsorship decision as “disappointing” at an NHS conference in Manchester.
I personally think that the use of snack brands is a marketing blunder especially at a time when childhood obesity is on the rise.
The Hundred tournament will begin in July, and we’re looking forward to seeing the teams hit the pitch for an exciting first season.
By Alex Brinton