Hundred has future if it finds place in game

YOU thought it was all over… well it isn’t. Sure the Ashes concluded yesterday in sublime fashion in south London but already eyes have turned to the reason the iconic series was shifted forward and away from the peak of British summer: The Hundred.

Back again, some had hoped the cricket format – which consists of 100 balls per side and only played in England and Wales – would fade away into oblivion but cricket chiefs on these shores have backed their radical idea and its existence goes on.

Eight teams in seven cities, each with a male and female outfit, compete across this month ahead of finals day at Lord’s.

This year will be the competition’s third with Oval Invincibles women –based at Surrey – looking for a tat-trick of titles – and Southern Brave or Trent Rockets’ men aiming for a second title.