ManchesterOriginals

Manchester Originals Extend Katich, Replace Parry as Coaches

By Nilay October 15, 2024 0

Manchester Originals have extended Simon Katich’s contract for another year, despite the men’s team’s disappointing performance this season. However, Stephen Parry has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the women’s side after two years.

The decisions were made by the Originals board, which has been restructured to reflect the team’s closer ties with Lancashire from 2025. Lancashire will become majority shareholders in Originals next season, acquiring a 51% stake from the ECB, while the remaining 49% will be sold to a private investor.

Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket, will lead the search for Parry’s successor as women’s head coach. James Sheridan, a member of the Lancashire board, has replaced Mark Chapman as Originals’ chair, although Chapman remains on the board.

Katich, a former Australian batter, has coached Originals men since the Hundred’s inception in 2021. Despite finishing as runners-up in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the team struggled this year, winning only one of their eight matches.

“We were all disappointed with how this season went,” Katich said. “I feel we have unfinished business given the events of the last three editions of the Hundred and all of us at the Originals will ensure that we get back on track next year… We are determined to win it for Manchester.”

Parry, on the other hand, has been replaced after his side finished sixth in the women’s Hundred this season. Originals are the only women’s team who have not reached the knockout stages in any of the tournament’s first four editions.

“Stephen leaves us with our thanks and best wishes,” Sheridan said. “He joined us with our women’s team under-strength and still finding its feet at this level of cricket… We are in a much better place following two years with Stephen at the helm.”

The recruitment process for Parry’s successor will begin immediately, with Chilton overseeing the search. “Our aim now is to recruit a world-leading women’s short-format head coach, and we are very excited where this group of players can take Manchester Originals next year and beyond,” Chilton said.

These announcements come ahead of Friday’s deadline for first-round bids in the ECB’s sale process of the Hundred. Lancashire is actively seeking a “sporting partner” to become co-owners of Originals.

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Lancashire Seeks IPL Partnership for Manchester Originals in The Hundred

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Lancashire County Cricket Club is actively seeking a partnership with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise to jointly operate the Manchester Originals franchise in The Hundred from 2025 onwards. The club has been actively engaging with potential investors over the past month, with the ECB set to distribute prospectuses for the sale of stakes in each of the eight Hundred teams early next month.

Lancashire’s interest in partnering with an IPL franchise stems from its strategic focus on growing its profile in India. The club has organized pre-season tours for both men’s and women’s teams, played friendlies against teams affiliated with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and signed Indian players such as Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, and Venkatesh Iyer as overseas players.

As the owners of Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire will receive a 51% stake in Manchester Originals as part of the Hundred’s sale process. The club has emphasized its preference for a “sporting partner” rather than a purely financial investor. Chief executive Daniel Gidney expressed the club’s desire to work with an IPL franchise, citing the potential opportunities for both parties.

“Our preference is a partner who will partner with us on cricket, who can really help us grow our cricket, and clearly we have a strong interest in India,” Gidney said. “We’d love to work with an IPL, of course, because of the opportunities that would bring – both for us and for them… our pathway is the best in the country, and so is our medical staff.”

The ECB is overseeing the sale of stakes, with the Raine Group and Deloitte acting as financial advisors. However, Lancashire will play an active role in selecting a partner. The club has hosted officials from several IPL franchises, including Lucknow Super Giants, during the Hundred.

The two London Hundred franchises, London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, are expected to command the highest valuations, followed by Manchester Originals and Birmingham Phoenix. Gidney emphasized the value proposition of Manchester Originals, stating that the club offers the best value for investment.

“As I’ve said to different people from that part of the world, the first round is being run by the ECB, so you need to get your number up,” Gidney said. “If you want an ego and to pay a lot of money, then London is your gig. There’ll be loads of people that want London, but there’s only two teams, and one of those only wants a passive investor so it narrows your choice down. Outside of that, I said to people: ‘If you want cheap, we are not it. If you want the best value, we are it.”

Gidney also suggested that the ECB consider increasing the number of overseas players per team in the Hundred from three to four, as well as implementing a revised draft system that would allow for more “local heroes” in Hundred squads.

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Birmingham Phoenix Seal Eliminator Spot with Nine-Wicket Win

By Nilay August 16, 2024 0

Birmingham Phoenix emerged victorious in a rain-shortened match against Manchester Originals, securing a spot in The Hundred Eliminator. The Phoenix chased down a modest target of 42 with ease, winning by nine wickets.

Phoenix captain Moeen Ali won the toss and elected to bowl first. Kiwi speedster Adam Milne struck early, removing Matthew Hurst in the second over. Tim Southee conceded a six to Phil Salt but dismissed him soon after. Sean Abbott and Milne continued the onslaught, accounting for Paul Walter and Max Holden respectively. Chris Wood wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Sikandar Raza, restricting the Originals to a mere 41 for 5.

In response, Birmingham Phoenix made light work of the chase. Jamie Smith set the tone with two boundaries off Fazalhaq Farooqi in the first over. Ben Duckett took over the mantle, smashing Tom Aspinwall for a six and three boundaries. Smith departed for 14, but Duckett (22*) and Moeen (6*) guided the Phoenix home with eight balls to spare.

Milne, who finished with figures of 2 for 8, was named the Meerkat Match Hero. He attributed his success to the swing and seam on offer, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different conditions in shortened formats.

The victory sends Birmingham Phoenix to The Hundred Eliminator, where they will face Southern Brave at The Kia Oval on Saturday. Andrew Flintoff’s first year as Northern Superchargers Head Coach ends with a fourth-place finish.

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Pooran’s Heroics Power Superchargers to Comeback Win, Stokes Injured

By Nilay August 12, 2024 0

Northern Superchargers’ Nicholas Pooran played a pivotal role in their thrilling seven-wicket victory over Manchester Originals in The Hundred, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 33 balls. The win keeps Superchargers’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

However, the match was overshadowed by an injury to England Test captain Ben Stokes, who is now a doubt for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Stokes sustained a suspected hamstring injury while running a single in the second innings.

Pooran’s heroics came after Manchester Originals had posted an imposing 156 for 3, with Phil Salt contributing 61. But Superchargers’ spinners, led by Mitchell Santner (3-24), restricted Originals’ scoring rate in the latter stages of their innings.

In the chase, Superchargers lost two early wickets but Pooran’s arrival at the crease changed the game. He struck eight sixes and four fours, ably supported by Harry Brook (43) and Adam Hose (26 not out).

The victory was a testament to Superchargers’ resilience and the brilliance of Pooran, who has been in exceptional form throughout the competition. However, the injury to Stokes is a major concern for England, who are set to face Sri Lanka in a three-Test series starting on August 21.

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Beth Mooney’s 99* Leads Manchester Originals to Victory Over Northern Superchargers

By Nilay August 11, 2024 0

Manchester Originals’ Beth Mooney’s scintillating 99* propelled her team to a 17-run victory over Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. Mooney’s masterful innings, the highest individual score in the tournament this year, laid the foundation for Originals’ 151 for 3.

The Australian left-hander showcased her exceptional batting prowess, effortlessly finding gaps and displaying the form that has earned her the top spot in Women’s T20I cricket. Despite falling agonizingly short of a century when Sophie Ecclestone was run out on the final ball, Mooney’s contribution proved pivotal.

Northern Superchargers’ chase got off to a promising start with Phoebe Litchfield’s impressive 45 from 29. However, her dismissal by Kim Garth’s slower ball triggered a collapse, with the team running out of steam in pursuit of the target.

Kathryn Bryce emerged as the star of the bowling attack, claiming a hat-trick and finishing with remarkable figures of 5-13. Her exceptional performance gave Originals a personal landmark to celebrate, despite their hopes of tournament progression fading.

The victory prevented Superchargers from climbing to the top of the table, leaving the women’s competition standings congested heading into the final week.

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London Spirit Triumph Over Manchester Originals with Redmayne’s Heroics

By Nilay August 9, 2024 0

London Spirit emerged victorious in their clash against Manchester Originals at Lord’s, securing an eight-wicket triumph with eight balls remaining. Georgia Redmayne’s stellar performance, coupled with Heather Knight’s composed innings, proved decisive in the chase.

Despite a challenging start, Redmayne showcased her resilience, amassing 66 runs from 59 deliveries. Her innings was characterized by patience and determination, guiding Spirit towards their target. Knight, the England skipper, provided valuable support with a composed 29 from 27 balls.

The Originals’ defense was hampered by missed opportunities, with dropped catches on both Redmayne and Knight proving costly. The Spirit’s fielding was exceptional throughout, including a brilliant caught and bowled by Sarah Glenn and a superb catch in the deep by Cordelia Griffith.

Earlier, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn restricted the Originals to a modest 112 runs. Dean’s impressive spell yielded three wickets for just 20 runs, while Glenn’s contribution included a crucial caught and bowled. Kathryn Bryce emerged as the top scorer for the Originals with 32 runs from 27 balls.

Redmayne, the Meerkat Match Hero, acknowledged the challenging nature of the wicket but praised her team’s bowling performance. She emphasized the importance of staying calm and playing to her strengths.

The victory marks a significant achievement for London Spirit, who have now secured two wins in the competition. Redmayne’s match-winning knock and the team’s overall performance have instilled confidence as they look ahead to their remaining fixtures.

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Sam Curran’s Heroics Lead Oval Invincibles to Thrilling Last-Ball Victory

By Nilay August 6, 2024 0

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in a nail-biting last-ball thriller against Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford, securing a three-run victory to ascend to the top of the table.

Sam Curran, the England all-rounder, once again proved to be the match-winner for the Invincibles, showcasing his exceptional skills with both bat and ball. Curran’s blistering knock of 68 runs from 38 deliveries, including six towering sixes, propelled the Invincibles to a competitive total of 164 for 8.

Manchester Originals, despite a promising start, faltered in their chase, falling short by a mere three runs. Young opener Matthew Hurst impressed with a scintillating 50 from 29 balls, but his dismissal triggered a collapse in the Originals’ batting lineup.

Curran’s heroics with the ball were equally impressive. He conceded just three runs from the final five deliveries of the match, ensuring the Invincibles’ victory. His two wickets, along with the contributions of Will Jacks (2-16) and Adam Zampa (2-30), proved crucial in restricting the Originals to 161 for 7.

The defeat extinguished the Originals’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage, while the Invincibles extended their winning streak and cemented their position as title contenders. Curran’s consistent brilliance has been a key factor in the Invincibles’ success, and his ability to perform under pressure has earned him widespread admiration.

“I thought with the ball it felt like we bowled really well,” Curran said after the match. “I think our success at the moment is just the self-belief. Everyone is able to step up and it can always be someone different. The Hundred format is good because you can always feel in the game.”

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Oval Invincibles Triumph Over Manchester Originals in Women’s Hundred

By Nilay August 6, 2024 0

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in their Women’s Hundred clash against Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford, securing a comfortable seven-wicket win. The victory marked a return to form for the Invincibles, who had endured a two-game winless streak.

The Originals, seeking redemption after a disappointing loss to Northern Superchargers, posted a modest total of 125 for 4. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney provided a solid start, but their momentum was halted by sharp catches from Seren Smale and Ryana MacDonald-Gay. Skipper Sophie Ecclestone provided a late surge with an unbeaten 26 from 15 balls.

In response, the Invincibles’ chase was anchored by an unbeaten 67-run partnership between Paige Scholfield and Marizanne Kapp. Scholfield, the Meerkat Match Hero, struck 48 from 27 balls, while Kapp contributed 19 from 11. Opener Chamari Athapaththu laid the foundation with a steady 33 from 36 balls.

The Invincibles’ fielding was equally impressive, with Amanda-Jade Wellington emerging as the standout bowler with figures of 2 for 22. The team’s disciplined performance and ability to capitalize on the Originals’ mistakes proved decisive.

The victory propelled the Invincibles to second place in the points table, while the Originals remained in sixth position. Both teams will be eager to maintain their momentum in their upcoming fixtures.

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Northern Superchargers Triumph in Northern Derby, Defeating Manchester Originals

By Nilay August 4, 2024 0

Northern Superchargers emerged victorious in the highly anticipated northern derby of The Hundred, defeating Manchester Originals by a comfortable margin of 46 runs. The home side secured their second win in four matches, delighting the record-breaking crowd of 11,061 at Headingley.

Manchester Originals, after winning the toss, opted to field first. Northern Superchargers’ openers, Hollie Armitage and Phoebe Litchfield, established a solid foundation with a 47-run partnership. However, England’s Lauren Filer proved to be a formidable force for the visitors, claiming two wickets for just 16 runs, including two maiden sets.

Australian duo Annabel Sutherland and Litchfield showcased their batting prowess, both narrowly missing out on half-centuries. Sutherland contributed 44 runs off 26 deliveries, while Litchfield scored 43 off 25 balls. Their contributions propelled Superchargers to a competitive total of 138 for 4.

In their pursuit, Manchester Originals made a promising start but faltered after losing their openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney, within the first 30 balls. Superchargers’ seamer Kate Cross played a pivotal role, dismissing Wolvaardt and finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 20.

The Originals’ batting lineup struggled to cope with the Superchargers’ relentless bowling attack, losing wickets at regular intervals. Five different bowlers shared the spoils, highlighting the depth and effectiveness of the home side’s bowling unit.

Annabel Sutherland, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero for the second consecutive game, expressed her delight with the team’s performance. She praised the collective effort, particularly the bowlers’ ability to defend a seemingly modest total.

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Jos Buttler Ruled Out of Hundred with Calf Injury

By Nilay August 3, 2024 0

Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, has been ruled out of the Hundred tournament due to a calf injury. The injury occurred during preparations for the competition, and an initial scan proved inconclusive. However, a subsequent assessment confirmed the severity of the injury, forcing Buttler to withdraw from the tournament.

Buttler’s absence is a significant blow to Manchester Originals, who have lost their first three matches in his absence. Phil Salt, Buttler’s opening partner, has captained the team in his stead but has struggled for runs, scoring only 23 in three innings. The Originals’ batting lineup has looked vulnerable without Buttler’s presence.

Buttler’s injury history includes several calf injuries, including a strain two years ago that ruled him out of England’s T20I series in Pakistan. The injury also threatened his participation in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Despite the setback, Buttler is expected to be fit in time for England’s first T20I against Australia on September 11. Managing director Rob Key has confirmed that Buttler will continue as England’s white-ball captain, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim coach during the series.

The Originals are yet to announce a replacement for Buttler, but they had initially lined up Keaton Jennings as a potential candidate. However, the move stalled due to confusion over Buttler’s status, and Jennings has since signed for London Spirit.

Buttler’s injury is a reminder of the physical demands of modern cricket, particularly in the shorter formats. Calf injuries are common among fast bowlers and all-rounders, but they can also affect batsmen who rely on quick acceleration and agility.

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