The Hundred: Phoebe Graham anticipates The Hundred’s women’s competition as she teams up with Manchester Originals and the event seeks to build on the success of the Lionesses and further the development of women’s sport.
The Hundred is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Live performances, on-the-go doubleheaders, live sports… Is there any better domestic cricket than this?
The first game of the doubleheaders is the women’s contest between the Oval Invincibles and the Northern Superchargers on Thursday at 6.30 p.m.
The event began at The Kia Oval in 2021 with a women’s game, setting a precedent and demonstrating that this competition is about equality and motivating the next generation.
Joe Root demonstrated that on Saturday by signing autographs for 90 minutes at Trent Bridge following Trent Rockets’ victory over Birmingham Phoenix.
This competition has had a great impact on women’s cricket. The women’s game has received more funding, there have been more domestic contracts, and most crucially, women’s sport has had a record-breaking year.
33 million spectators watched women’s sports in the UK in 2021, with 71% continuing to watch more women’s sports, according to a study. This is just the beginning of what’s to come after being motivated by the Lionesses bringing football home last Sunday.
Society’s perceptions of women’s sports are evolving. We are given equal treatment, which motivates the younger generation. I just want to see it grow and improve, and The Hundred has helped with that.
The best training setting I have ever experienced
The competition was the pinnacle of my professional career to date. We shared the same access to training facilities and played on the main stage with the men, played side by side, and had a “one-team” mentality.
Last year, I was a Supercharger, competing at my childhood stadium, Headingley, and competing with some of the greatest athletes in the world, including Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues. The Manchester Originals are faced with a brand-new challenge this year. More greats, same gig, different house.
Our team will be led by Kate Cross, and other members include Deandra Dottin, Emma Lamb, and Sophie Ecclestone. The first few days of training have been surreal, and it’s been the best training environment I’ve ever experienced. We are dignified, professional, and driven to succeed.
The international players haven’t joined us yet because they’ve been at the Commonwealth Games, but they’ll elevate our squad. Trent Rockets will be our opponent in our inaugural match on Saturday at Emirates Old Trafford.
On Wednesday night, we got together as a team to discuss everything in Manchester, and we gave baggy caps from Manchester Originals to the newcomers. I had the privilege of having Jos Butler offer mine to me because I am the lucky 37.
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