Woakes up for big hit’ of Hundred
WORLD Cup winner Chris Woakes is backing The Hundred to be a big hit.
English cricket’s controversial new competition begins next summer with a host of innovations, including bowlers being able to choose between five and 10-ball overs and changing ends halfway through the same over.
“There will always be sceptics,” said Woakes, who will play for Birmingham Phoenix, one of the eight new citybased teams. “That’s the nature of the world and nature of cricket. But there is no way cricket can suffer from this. It can only benefit.
“I am passionate about all forms of cricket, but this will bring in new faces and inspire the next generation to play. It can be a game-changer.
“I have heard people say they don’t like the concept and it’s not cricket – but to see the best players against each other will be entertaining.
“Maybe it will be confusing to begin with for players and fans. But it won’t take long for people to grasp it. It is still cricket, it’s still a bat and a ball.
“People were sceptical of T20 when it started and look where it is now. There is no ceiling on this.
Coup
“I spoke to a few of the Aussie lads about it during the Ashes series and they said they were excited to be a part of it, people like Steve Smith.
“They want to be involved in something that is different. It’s not just the money. Look, they can earn a hell of a lot more money in the IPL. It’s a desire to be part of something new.”
Attracting the world No.1 batsman Smith is a major coup for the organisers of The Hundred, and the Australian is sure to be among the first picks for the eight new teams in the draft that happens later this month.
And Sam Curran, who has already been selected by the Oval Invincibles, one of two teams in London, hopes that Smith will be in his side.
“I’d rather not have to bowl at him,” said Curran, who also said he is excited by the prospect of The Hundred.
“It’s a new format and it’s exciting that it’s not just another T20 league. There are so many now – the IPL, the Big Bash in Australia. I can see The Hundred being the new T20.
“And in four or five years maybe the IPL will want to play their own
Hundred balls competition.
“There are many top overseas players who won’t come to our T20 Vitality Blast. Now it will be like the IPL, playing with the best in the world. For young English players in a team with the big names will be exciting.”