Eight maverick changes to make The Hundred cricket even more entertaining
They said it would never catch on, the purists were up in arms. But, boy, have they been proven wrong, as The Hundred continues to dazzle and delight the masses.
Cricket's newest format has, in effect, thrown a multipack of Mentos into the sport's fizzy-drink bottle, re-energising it in spectacular fashion, and welcoming in a whole new crowd of spectators.
With euphoric atmospheres, stands packed with women and children - rather than just braying middle-aged men in straw boaters, or boozed-up stag dos spending the day inexplicably crafting serpents from plastic cups - and weekend coverage on terrestrial TV, it's hard to find fault with the inclusive, bold new competition.
Sure, the five and ten ball spells take a bit of getting used to, as do the strategic time-outs but, hey, what real harm is it actually doing the sport?
Stand-out moments so far have included Jemimah Rodrigues' dazzling 92 not out for the Northern Superchargers Women, and Welsh Fire Men's captain Jonny Bairstow' s imperious knock against Southern Brave last night, which saw his side make it two wins from two.
As the month-long cricket fiesta heads into its second week, we've come up with a few novel ways The Hundred could take the entertainment factor to the next level:
1. Wheel out the snack cannons!
Those snack-based shirt sponsors look the business, and showering fans in the beige treats they so tantalising showcase would be a delight for all. With all the cash the competition is generating, settling all the subsequent Pom Bear corneal abrasion law suits will be a mere trifling matter. Photo: Hagen Hopkins
2. The novelty bat roulette
A national treasure game show presenter, plucked from a pool including the likes of Carol Voderman and Bradley Walsh, could be brought out to spin a massive wheel, and decide which novelty bat a seething Jos Buttler will be stuck with for five balls. He could still probably crack a bouncer into the stands with a garden rake or an antique Baroque era lute, in truth. Photo: Bryn Lennon
3. Karaoke for the between-innings entertainment
Sure, having the likes of Becky Hill and Everything Everything crooning between innings is pretty impressive, but we can do better. The Hundred could (and should) select one player at random, who will then be required to belt out a classic. Adil Rashid roaring along to Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You'? to earn his side a bonus ten runs? Yes please! Photo: Stu Forster
4. One hand, one bounce = Out
Nice and simple, this one: the ball bounces once after being struck, you catch it with one hand, they're out. The backyard cricket staple could be activated by the bowling side for a ten-ball spell of their choosing. Batters would either have to play it safe or try to blast it over the rope. Tactical yorkers from the bowlers would serve no purpose, either. Photo: IAN KINGTON