We caught up with our brand ambassador Johann to discuss the Hundred so far and its crucial role in promoting woman's cricket further. He also discusses the importance of the right bat and where the Hundred format could go. Here is what he had to say:
“The tournament has been a great success! If you put some of the best cricketers in the world on terrestrial TV, being marketed the way it has been, then you have a formula for success and the results speak for themselves.
“It is certainly crucial for the women’s game, young girls can aspire to make something for themselves. Not all of them will be professional cricketers, a slim few will, however, their involvement in the game is key. Hopefully seeing such good coverage of the female game inspires them to take it as far as they can.
“It’s important young boys and girls are exposed to sport from a young age, falling in love with sport and playing a sport, enhances their lives for the future.
“I would love to have played in the Hundred, it’s fast, skilful, and very tactical. It does represent white-ball cricket in the best way, and it certainly requires captains to think more.
“I certainly feel the hundred will work in other places, whether they want to do that is another question. However, there are big markets out there with big leagues like the IPL (India) and the Big Bash (Australia). It all depends on the countries season schedules. That’s only the men’s side. The women’s side seems more likely with a less intense schedule. Being a coach of a regional side, I’m always encouraging my players to go play as much cricket as possible.
“In terms of my bat, I fell in love with the C100 shape, although I had my handle made shorter and thinner for me, I also used to add a tennis grip below my bat grip. The feel helped me play at my best. The team has always looked after me well and I can see why a lot of young girls use M&H for the lightweight feel and all-round control the bats provide. Girls must find a bat that feels right for them and performs well while still being light.”
