New Cricket Format ‘The Hundred’ Unveiled by ECB for 2023 Tournament
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has introduced a new format of cricket called ‘The Hundred’ for the upcoming 2023 tournament. With this exciting and fast-paced format, the ECB aims to attract a wider audience and revolutionize the game of cricket.
The Hundred is named after the number of balls each team will play, adding a new dimension to the traditional cricket format. Unlike One Day Internationals and T20 matches that have already changed the character of cricket, The Hundred is expected to further diversify the game and make it more appealing to fans.
In this new format, each team will play a hundred balls, and the entire match is targeted to be completed within 65 minutes, making it a thrilling and action-packed experience for both players and spectators.
The Hundred also introduces a new set of rules that add further excitement and tactical elements to the game. Two sets of five balls each will be bowled before the ends are changed. This means that a bowler can either bowl two successive sets of five balls without changing ends or choose to change ends after each set. The first 20 balls will constitute the power play, where teams can accumulate valuable runs and set the tone for the match.
The tournament, organized by the ECB, will be held for the third consecutive year, with a total of 68 matches scheduled. Each team will have to play eight games, with at least two matches against the locals. The top-ranked team will advance to the final, which will be played at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground.
In case of a tie at the knockout level, a thrilling Super-5 will be played, with each side facing five balls to determine the winner. This adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the game, ensuring nail-biting moments for fans.
All 68 matches of The Hundred 2023 tournament can be watched live on Sky Sports from August 1 to 27. The broadcasting rights cover all women’s matches and selected men’s matches, which will be available on the Sky Sports Cricket YouTube channel.
The tournament will kick off on Tuesday at 3 pm (BST) at Trent Bridge, with the first match featuring Trent Rockets women against Southern Brave women. Shortly after the women’s match, the Rockets and Brave men’s teams will clash at 6:30 pm (BST) on the same day, marking the beginning of an exhilarating cricket extravaganza.
With the introduction of The Hundred, the ECB is determined to captivate cricket lovers with its innovative format and exciting rules. As fans eagerly await the action-packed matches, the 2023 tournament is set to redefine the future of cricket and offer a thrilling spectacle for viewers around the world.
