Manchester Originals Fan Account

The curtain has been raised, but The Hundred only really starts when the Originals enter the arena. Today at Old Trafford we entertain Southern Brave. Two hard games for our newly assembled sides against tough opposition. Can we start with two wins? #manchesteroriginals #TheHundred

We haven’t always agreed with the Originals draft decisions, but to say that we are happy about this is an understatement. Jimmy merits his selection based on performance alone, but the fact he is an absolute icon should not be underestimated.

Whilst a special mention should be given to Jamie Overton. He has brought a huge amount to the Originals and his MVP performance during our 2023 run to the final was truly outstanding. He will be a massive miss and we wish him well for the future.

As new signings are announced, it is worth noting the efforts of the Originals moving onto pastures new. There are few that did more to build the culture of our men’s team than Paul Walter and Ellie Threlkeld has been integral to our women’s side from day one.

Our squad is completed by talented young batter Ben McKinney, experienced all rounder Lewis Gregory from Trent Rockets and left armed seamer George Garton from Southern Brave. All look smart pick ups that fill areas of need. The Originals have had a good day of squad building!

We thought the standout batter in the men’s draft was Rachin Ravindra and so we are absolutely delighted to see him added into the Originals line up. I can’t see many batting line ups in world cricket that look more impressive on paper than Salt, Buttler, Ravindra, Klaasen,…🔥

We are delighted to see one of the most exciting talents in world cricket heading to Old Trafford.Welcome to Manchester to the supremely talented Noor Ahmad.

It is also great to see that Alice Monaghan will be returning to Old Trafford after an impressive first season. Whilst we are excited to welcome Ella McCaughan and Seren Smale to a new look Originals batting line up for 2025.

The boss is back! It is great to welcome Deandra Dottin back to Manchester, after a string of fine performances in franchise competitions around the globe.

A hugely significant day, as the RPSG group led by Sanjiv Goenka are confirmed as the preferred investor for the Originals. It was no secret that we were seeking interest from an IPL franchise, so a tie in with those behind Lucknow & Durban Super Giants is an exciting development.

Critics of The Hundred claimed that the money and the interest wouldn’t be there. It looks like they were wrong, after 49% of four franchises have been sold for huge sums. We will find out on Monday if Manchester can find a suitable investor. 🤞that everything goes to plan.

The next generation are coming into a better structure with opportunity and exposure. You need to identify the talent young and harness it. Mahika Gaur has all the tools to be phenomenal. The likes of Davina Perrin, Tilly Corteen-Coleman etc. It is a different game to even five years ago.

I would imagine change is inevitable. The truth is Australia are several years ahead of us and they are stronger in every department. The investment and changes in the women’s game will improve things, but strong leadership is needed.

Worth noting those figures would have looked a lot better without some abject dropped catches. It’s good Sophie has something to show from a very difficult tour. Some of the criticism levelled at her has been awful. She may not be blameless, but others should take a great deal more responsibility.

Fixture release day is always an exciting one. The Originals will be back in action throughout August, hoping to improve on a disappointing 2024. Lots to happen before then, but it’s nice to have the dates in the diary.

It would be interesting to get an Australian perspective on the England Women’s Cricket team after the last few weeks. I wonder where they would put Sophie Ecclestone refusing to do an interview on the list of issues that should be focused on?

Don’t disagree with anything you have said, but the crucial part is “if happening”. It feels like we are looking for people to blame for a horrible tour. I would prefer that to be limited to what we know and can see, rather than putting an interpretation on off field events.

If it was a disciplinary issue, I would be fine if she was disciplined, but we have no idea if it was. It is an enormous jump from Sophie being name checked by an emotional Alex Hartley for a cold shoulder, to people suggesting that she has an ego that is negatively impacting the team dynamic.

I would be fine if the comment was to drop her based on performance, we all have opinions and are entitled to express them. I just don’t like the idea that Sophie should be dropped for her impact on team culture, as only those within the group know whether that is a fair observation or otherwise.

The comments about Sophie Ecclestone are totally over the top and are based on a number of assumptions. She is bowling the tough overs against top class set batters and is still having some success. To state as a fact that her “ego” is a problem is extremely harsh.

That might be next week. Hard to imagine how this doesn’t end in a whitewash and a test match provides the time and space for an utter humiliation.

Who on earth decides to put the straight boundary so far in? Totally unnecessary!

The #WAshes have been a tough watch for England fans, but they have shown once again what an exceptional batter Beth Mooney is. We have a history of strange decision making, but bringing Beth back to Manchester must be an absolute priority. She is a class act. #AusVEng

Agree wholeheartedly. Huge fan of both and hope they can both move forward positively from what must be a difficult moment.

She had every right to make the original point. My post was about the comments yesterday. Highlighting that Sophie Ecclestone had refused to speak to her, makes it personal and awkward. That should have been addressed privately.

I’d guess when Alex reflects she will wish she hadn’t said what she did today. It’s obvious that she is hurt by the reaction of some of the players, especially those she considered friends. That said, it would be better for this to be addressed in private as it isn’t a good look for anyone involved.

This is great news for Lancashire and for English cricket and speaks volumes of the man. To have achieved everything there is to achieve in the game and to still want to play on is fantastic. If he announces for The Hundred draft, then the Originals need to do all they can to keep him in Manchester.

Filer can bowl deliveries that trouble the best players in the world. That shouldn’t be sacrificed because of the failure of others. NSB’s presence should guarantee six bowlers. It is the selection and then usage of Capsey that makes zero sense.

The method has much more behind it than purely vibes. The freedom allows players the chance to change the direction of a game and when it works it can be magnificent. But that freedom comes at a cost. It is high risk, high reward and occasionally things will collapse in a heap.

That said, it is a bit rich of those that have ridiculed the competition for not attracting the big names, to criticise the decision. If you want the biggest stars to play, then you have to pay the going rate. That may be an uncomfortable truth, but it doesn’t make it any less true.