Ton of fun in store for fans says Jos
HUNDRED ‘CAN BE BIG AS T20’
JOS BUTTLER believes The Hundred could take the world of cricket by storm and be as big as T20.
The England superstar opened his season in the Indian Premier League with Rajasthan Royals yesterday. But with the clock ticking into double figures of days before the start of the sport’s newest format, Buttler believes it is only a matter of time before it takes off around the globe.
“When T20 was brought in, in 2003, people thought it would be a hit and giggle at the time and wouldn’t really catch on,” he said.
“Look at what that has turned into now – arguably the biggest format and the fastest-growing by far. I see no reason why The Hundred could not do that in the years to come.”
The inaugural competition, postponed from last year, begins with a standalone women’s match in 99 days on July 21, with the men’s tournament starting a day later. Some critics fear a slow erosion of the county-based structure.
Buttler accepts there are dangers for traditions but argues that to do nothing could be to watch the sport slowly decline.
He said: “We have to change with the times and keep evolving. It is exciting to have a franchise competition in England and The Hundred is all about engaging a new audience alongside the one that exists already.”
Eight city-based teams will play a faster game with 100 balls per innings and bowlers delivering either five or 10 consecutive balls. Buttler predicts the batting will be “ultra aggressive” from the start.
The ECB are rightly proud of the fact the women’s tournament will carry equal prize money and exposure but Buttler would like to go further and see a mixed team. “Potentially, down the line, we could play an exhibition match or something like that absolutely,” he said.