Manchester Originals have confirmed the women’s and men’s stars they have re-signed to return to Emirates Old Trafford this summer for the third year of The Hundred.
Fans at Emirates Old Trafford will be delighted to see the return of the world’s top-ranked bowler Sophie Ecclestone for the women’s team, and Ecclestone will be joined by Deandra Dottin, Ellie Threlkeld and Emma Lamb.
Ten of the men’s players who took the Originals to The Hundred Final last year have been retained, including captain Jos Buttler, England opener Phil Salt and Ireland’s Josh Little. Despite not being able to appear in 2022, Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has also been retained.
Rashid Khan, Jofra Archer, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Smriti Mandhana and Glenn Maxwell are among the list of players who have been retained by other teams in The Hundred.
Across both competitions, 114 players have been retained in total, meaning 134 spots remain to be filled at The Hundred Draft powered by Sage, and across the open market process in the women’s competition.
Teams in the men’s competition are able to retain 10 players, and women’s teams can retain four of their players. Six men’s sides have retained all 10, while Welsh Fire – under the new leadership of Australian great Mike Hussey – will have eight places to fill at The Draft, at which they’ll have the first pick.
The women’s competition will be hosting a draft for the first time, with the likes of England stars Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt and Kate Cross, as well as a host of international players, up for grabs. Manchester Originals will have the third pick in the women’s draft. The final list for The Hundred Draft powered by Sage is due to be confirmed on February 28.
The Hundred will kick off its third year at Trent Bridge on Tuesday 1 August with a Trent Rockets v Southern Brave double-header the first of 68 games that promise high-octane men’s and women’s sporting action, live music, and a host of family-friendly entertainment.
More than half a million people attended games during The Hundred’s second year in 2022, including a record-breaking 271,000 watching live women’s fixtures across the competition and more families buying tickets than in 2021.
There will be an initial, exclusive window to purchase tickets from 15-28 March for anyone who has previously bought tickets for The Hundred. Those yet to attend can sign up in advance at thehundred.comfor priority ticket access from 5–18 April. Tickets will then go on general sale on Thursday 20 April. Tickets this year remain great value in line with 2022 pricing, with prices set at £5 for juniors aged 6-15, free for children five and under, and adults starting from £10.
Phil Salt, an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner in November, said: “It’s brilliant we’ve been able to retain 10 of our players from 2022. Our confidence is in a good place after going so close last year so I’m glad we’ve been able to keep a similar squad together. It’s a well-balanced side, we’ve got Jos’ leadership, we’ve got good depth and some talented overseas players, too. We’re looking forward to the Draft and completing our squad.”
England all-rounder Emma Lamb said: “I’m excited to be retained by Manchester Originals for The Hundred this year. The first two years of the competition have been incredible to play in and with the addition of The Draft this year, it’s only going to be bigger and better in 2023. Retaining the players we have gives us a great base to build on to form a side capable of challenging for The Hundred trophy in August.”
Over 14.1 million people tuned in to watch The Hundred action in 2022 and games will again be broadcast live on Sky Sports and BBC broadcast and digital channels throughout the competition.
To stay up to date with the latest news, buy tickets or to sign up for priority access, visit thehundred.comor follow The Hundred, and the eight teams, on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
