The Hundred- Ones to Watch.

The Hundred: Ones to Watch

It’s perfectly fine to admit that you don’t watch and or know anything about women's cricket; in this era of uber commercialisation, where cricket is played almost non-stop, it is impossible to keep up with it all. Combine this never-stopping avalanche of games along with the poor scheduling and advertising surrounding women's cricket and it’s easy to let it fly by and not take much notice unless it’s the nation whom you support. I myself have limited knowledge of the game and its players and what really makes it unique and gives it its own beauty. Yet over the coming weeks, there will be a real chance to get one of the finest educations you can on the women's game. The Hundred naturally has a vast array of flaws, from marketing to the knock-on effect of the contest, but the one thing it will do is present a hitherto unmatched level of exposure to the English female domestic game. Whilst there is a lack of women's games on free to air tv the advertising of the tournament and the scheduling of the women's games is crucial for the overall development of the domestic scene. The Hundred actually kicks off with a women's game on July 21st. When one is looking to achieve a greater grasp on any sport the best place to start is to learn about some of the best going along with some of the brightest talents in the game. This post is dedicated to five players who you should look out for over the course of the competition, from dashing batters to some of the best bowlers going here are my five players to watch during the women's hundred.

Laura Wolvaardt- Northern Superchargers:

Wolvaardt is easily one of my favorite cricketers in the world. Sitting down and watching Wolvaardt is one of the most delightful and serene experiences you can ever have when observing cricket. Elegance and grace are the only words that do her batting even a smidge of justice. Cover drives are the most beautiful shot in the book and Wolvaardt wrote the chapter on them, proofread it herself, edited it, and then added a few extra details. If Damien Martyn, James Vince, and Ian Bell are your cup of tea then the Proteas batter will be right up your street. Wolvaardt is also only 22 and is brimming with talent and has been for a long time- she was named South Africa under 19s cricketer of the year at the age of 13. Wolvaardt is one for the traditionalists and one should not be surprised if she takes the contest by storm.

Sarah Glenn- Trent Rockets:

Sophie Ecclestone (the current number one ranked T20i bowler in the world) was the easier, and more obvious, choice but it is her leg-spinning compatriot that I feel is one to look out for. Glenn is a pure leg spinner and a genuine match-winner. Subtler variations are key to her game and whilst her overall record in T20i cricket is genuinely outstanding it is her economy rate of 5.76 that stands out the most. Glenn can really rip it and at 21 will be a large part of the England setup for years to come. An early prediction from me is that Glenn will comfortably finish in the top 10 wicket-takers in the tournament.

Kathryn Bryce- Trent Rockets:

Easily one of the more unknown, yet nonetheless exciting, talents in the competition is Kathryn Bryce. Those outside Scotland and the women's game will have little clue whom the all-rounder is but those inside know the abundance of talent she possesses. Bryce is a formidable all-rounder with her right arm medium being more than useful at keeping things tight whilst with the bat she is so often a level above. Scottish by nature means her playing time is limited to a few T20 games so the exposure of the Hundred is something she can relish. Come the end of the tournament Bryce could well establish herself among the game's brightest sparks.

Issy Wong- Birmingham Phoenix:

The word quick is used colloquially to describe anyone above an average pace but Wong is streets ahead of the average. Wong is by far and away one of my favorite cricketers in the competition. Right arm fast is a disservice to Wong who is up there with the quickest bowlers in the modern game, she arguably tops that list. This will be Wong's first time to really test herself against some of the best and with the pressure on. Not make or break, more, is this the right time? A good tournament here could see her win her first international cap. Keep a close eye on the teenage tearaway.

Amy Jones- Birmingham Phoenix:

4 weeks ago I had no clue who Amy Jones was and now she is one of my favourite players to sit down and watch her go about her work for an afternoon. Whether it be carefully constructing an innings, she is a master at keeping tempo and knowing when to attack, or her excellent wicket-keeping Amy Jones is a sight that many fans will love to observe. Tidy with the gloves, she is one of the finest going with Jones having lightning-quick reflexes and reading of the ball meaning she stands up to the stumps for large portions of the game, and a dream with the bat, Amy Jones was more a personal pick than the rest but hey she’s still a class act. Birmingham Phoenix fans you’re in for a treat.

There we have it, my five players who you should look out for in the Hundred! Keep an eye on these 5 and you’ll enjoy the competition 10 fold! Personally, I can’t wait to see them all play and execute their skills! Let me know what you think on Twitter @therunoutblog1.