SAM MOAKES looks at the main talking points ahead of the second edition of the 100-ball competition
Much was spoken about the opportunity for a 10-ball over to be delivered by one bowler ahead of last years' tournament – a chance to really nail down a batter at one end with your most canny operator. Alternatively, 10 consecutive balls from the same bowler, no matter how skilful, could also provide an opportunity for the opposing batter to better pick up line and length and take advantage.
The playful new concept was deployed in dispatches last year, and earned mixed results. Imran Tahir took 2 for 2 when bowling a second five, while Moeen Ali was hit for 11 runs when keeping himself on, both in the same match. As matchups become the way to go in short-form cricket, we could see more bowlers with 10-ball spells this year – but there is also a reactive element to the tactic.
Covid complications meant many of last year's overseas stars had to pull out of the competition. White-ball giants Glenn Maxwell, Keiron Pollard, Faf du Plessis, Matthew Wade and Tim David are just a few of the stars set to grace the men's game this year, with the women's tournament set to introduce Australia World Cup winners Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry.
If The Hundred want to be considered in the same category as the BBL and the IPL around the world, this level of overseas ability will certainly be key. It is arguable that while the female competition boasts the best around, the same cannot be said of the men's tournament given the volume of bilateral cricket around the world. It will be interesting to see whether that gap reduces in the years to come.
That said, few rival tournaments could boast this kind of line-up in its second edition, meaning this has to be considered a good start two years in.
Marizanne Kapp opened The Hundred with the first 10-ball set (Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Last year saw some exceptional performances from young stars like Harry Brook, Chris Benjamin and Will Smeed. But who is set for a breakout season this year?
Keep an eye on the likes of Leicestershire leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed and Surrey's Will Jacks after positive Blast seasons for their respective counties.
The women's game too has exciting prospects as the impressive player pool continues to expand. Fifteen-year-old Davina Perrin, a graduate of Ebony Rainford-Brent's ACE programme, would become the youngest player in the tournament should she play. A versatile batter at such a young age, Perrin is certainly one to watch out for.
It's only a matter of time, right? No batter in the tournament could reach three figures last time out, with both Liam Livingstone and Jemimah Rodrigues falling eight runs short in their attempts.
Who are the candidates in 2022: Rilee Rossouw tore up the Blast with Somerset and has to be a contender, while Livingstone will relish the opportunity to go to three figures again. Glenn Maxwell, Jason Roy and Paul Stirling can't be ignored, either.
From the women's game, Danni Wyatt hits a big ball and would love to add a Hundred century to her pair of tons in T20 internationals. Deandra Dottin has held the record for the fastest T20I century for 12 years - a 38-ball masterclass against South Africa in St Kitts - and is worthy of clearing your schedule for.
Liam Livingstone hit the highest score in the men's competition - level with Jemimah Rodrigues' 92 (Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Undoubtedly, last year's tournament brought the women's game to greater heights, new eyes and better standards. Though forced by Covid, the double-headers were one of the most successful aspects of the 2021 tournament and they return this year.
Indeed, the first women's match on August 11 will see the women's headline, with the men relegated to the afternoon slot - perhaps a sign of things to come.
Every single women's match will be broadcast on Sky Sports this year, and the new TV deal extends The Hundred until at least 2028. Last year's tournament saw record-breaking viewing figures for women's cricket in England - the 17,116 that watched the final was the most for a domestic women's final in the world - and is giving those on the fringes exposure to the leading lights of the sport.
With The Hundred played toward the end of the English summer, one that has seen record-breaking temperatures, pitches should be on the dry side towards the end of the tournament. Everyone loves to see a ball grip off the surface and spin through the gate and having seen the success Adil Rashid, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Alice Capsey and Rashid Khan last year, expect more of the sam with the tournament positioned slightly later in the year.
Adam Zampa and Wanindu Hasaranga add to the world-class line-up, meaning the men's tournament now has four of the top five spinners in the men's ICC T20I rankings. Throw in Sunil Narine and veteran Imran Tahir, and we have an unmissable spin masterclass on our hands.
The contingent is equally as formidable in the women's comp, with Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn joined by Jess Jonassen, Deepti Sharma and Amelia Kerr.
Wanindu Hasaranga leads the men's overseas contingent (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/Getty Images)
A huge advocate for the competition, Morgan has made domestic cricket around the world his No.1 priority after retiring from England duty. The Irishman is entering the twilight of his career and though he has franchise ambitions, who knows for how long he will hang around.
Morgan comes into the tournament in pretty poor form – he has just two scored above 20 in his last nine appearances – so it will be interesting to see how the former England captain approaches the tournament. He's been spending part of the last few weeks in the Sky Sports commentary box and will return during off-days in The Hundred.
Owner of several records - the most sixes in an ODI innings and England's leading run scorer in T20 internationals - you can only hope we get another glimpse of that before he calls time on his career.
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