Ramping up the excitement for its return, The Manchester Originals team has now announced its wildcard picks for the 2024 season.
Joining the men’s team are Sonny Baker and 20-year-old up-and-coming local star Matthew Hurst from Billinge, who has already developed a reputation as a fearless and innovative batter. Danielle Gregory and Alice Monaghan make promising additions to the women’s team and will be instrumental in helping them to deliver a spectacular performance across the 2024 season and make the region proud.
Providing a thrilling fusion of fast-paced cricket, music, and off-pitch entertainment, The Hundred is particularly revelled by families and young fans who enjoy a fun-filled day out. And, combining a short and fast form of cricket, with every match lasting less than three hours, the tournament is a major hit with newcomers to the sport, alongside die-hard cricket enthusiasts.
Fans across Manchester and the North West are gearing up for the much-anticipated first home fixture for Manchester Originals on the 25th July, where they will be able to enjoy an electric live music performance from Nxdia, in collaboration with BBC Music Introducing, as well as a variety of delicious food vendors and thrilling sports action. The match will also see the return of key players to the iconic venue, including the world number one bowler Sophie Ecclestone and England men’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler, who are captaining the Manchester Originals team. It marks the start of a series of action-packed fixtures for the team, as follows:
· Thursday 25 July – Manchester Originals vs Welsh Fire – (women’s start 3:00pm, men’s start 6:30pm) tickets selling fast.
· Monday 29 July – Manchester Originals vs Trent Rockets – (women’s start 3:00pm, men’s start 6:35 pm).
· Tuesday 6 August – Manchester Originals vs Oval Invincibles – (women’s start 11:30am, men’s start 3:00pm).
· Sunday 11 August – Manchester Originals vs Northern Superchargers (women’s start 2:30pm, men’s start 6:00pm) tickets selling fast.
Wildcard pick Matthew Hurst shared his excitement for the competition: “To be playing for Manchester Originals in the 2024 season is a real honour and a bit of a pinch-me moment. This is my local team in The Hundred, so it means a lot to have the opportunity to be a part of the action, and to be a part of something that generates such huge community support and excitement. I’m excited to play alongside some of the best players in the world and learn from them. The atmosphere is always quality at Emirates Old Trafford and I’m sure the crowd will be backing us at every home game.”
With tickets in high demand, you need to act fast to secure your early bird tickets and ensure you don’t miss out on the action. Tickets are selling fast for the home opener versus Welsh Fire on Thursday 25 July and the derby against Northern Superchargers on Sunday 11 August with 10,000 tickets already sold. Book before Thursday, 27th June at 11:59 PM to access early bird prices – Adult prices start at £17, and tickets for under 16s are just £5.
