The Hundred 2022, women's match preview: Manchester Originals v Trent Rockets

Team news, key match-ups, TV and streaming information, weather forecast, odds, form rundown, start times, venue, squad lists and more

The Cricketer | 12/08/2022 at 10:16

What's the match?

Manchester Originals take on Trent Rockets in the third game of the 2022 women's Hundred.

When is it taking place?

The match is due to begin at 11am BST on Saturday, August 13.

Where is the match being played?

Emirates Old Trafford is the host venue. The Manchester stadium is a spinner's paradise, with large boundaries and a pitch which often offers turn.

Who's got the form?

Not an easy one to answer, I'm afraid. Neither side has played yet this year, and there has been plenty of change within the ranks.

In 2021, Manchester Originals finished fifth in the league standings, with three wins and four defeats, plus a no result. Trent Rockets had an identical return but finished seventh courtesy of an inferior net run rate.

What's the team news?

Manchester Originals have no selection concerns, though they will be hoping several of their players are not showing any tiredness from recent Commonwealth Games campaigns - key figures including Sophie Ecclestone, Emma Lamb, Lea Tahuhu and Deandra Dottin were involved. Alana King, Katherine Brunt and Nat Sciver were among those involved from Trent Rockets.

The Rockets were dealt a considerable blow just two days out from the start of the tournament with the news Australia captain Meg Lanning would no longer be joining them. Lanning - among the finest batters in world cricket - has decided to take an indefinite break from the game. Kim Garth has been drafted into the squad as a replacement.

Lanning's absence has helped Rockets solve an overseas conundrum. Previously the equation had been which of Lanning, Mignon du Preez, Elyse Villani or Alana King to leave out.

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^{Manchester Originals include Sophie Ecclestone in their side [Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Spinners versus the middle order. On both sides.

Two of the most exciting tweakers in the game are on show - Sophie Ecclestone for Manchester Originals and Alana King for Trent Rockets.

Ecclestone is perhaps the best female bowler in world cricket. She possess tremendous control of her flight and length, and has been taking wickets at the top level for what seems like an eternity, despite the fact she is only 23 years old.

King, at 26, is older but much less experienced, having only broken into the Australia setup in the past 18 months. She is a wicket-taking leggie, with less control than Ecclestone but with just as much potential to destabilise an innings. If either of these two gets their nails into the opposition, they could quite easily win the match in a set of 10.

Can I get tickets?

Tickets are sold out for this match.

What's the weather forecast?

It's going to be a sunny day in Manchester with temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius. The Met Office has announced an amber weather warning for extreme heat.

What are the squads?

Manchester Originals: Deandra Dottin, Amy Satterthwaite, Ami Campbell, Phoebe Graham, Georgie Boyce, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Cordelia Griffith, Laura Jackson, Hannah Jones, Emma Lamb, Lizelle Lee, Ellie Threlkeld, Grace Potts, Lea Tahuhu, Mahika Gaur

Trent Rockets: Mignon du Preez, Bryony Smith, Alana King, Katherine Brunt, Kathryn Bryce, Abbey Freeborn, Sarah Glenn, Nat Sciver, Marie Kelly, Sophie Munro, Alexa Stonehouse, Georgia Davis, Elyse Villani, Ella Claridge, Emma Marlow, Kim Garth (replaces Meg Lanning)

What are the possible starting XIs?

Manchester Originals: Emma Lamb, Lizelle Lee, Deandra Dottin, Cordelia Griffith, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Ellie Threlkeld, Georgie Boyce, Laura Jackson, Lea Tahuhu, Mahika Gaur

Trent Rockets: Elyse Villani, Mignon du Preez, Nat Sciver, Marie Kelly, Bryony Smith, Katherine Brunt, Kathryn Bryce, Abbey Freeborn, Sarah Glenn, Alana King, Sophie Munro,

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^{Nat Sciver is captain of Trent Rockets [Getty Images]}

What are the odds?

Curiously, many bookies make Manchester Originals clear favourites for this match, with odds as short as 8/11. There appears to be value in Trent Rockets at 11/8.

What's the prediction?

Manchester Originals are very reliant on early runs from Lee (who has not had a great deal of recent elite-level gametime), Lamb and Dottin. There seems to be more balance to Trent Rockets, even without Lanning, and the dual spin threat of King and Glenn on this wicket, at this venue, feels a good fit. Away win.