The Hundred went a long way in achieving its objectives of engaging new audiences in its inaugural year:

  • 19% of tickets sold were for children. 

  • 59% of ticket buyers were under 45. 

  • 21% of ticket buyers were female.

  • 55% of ticket buyers for The Hundred had not bought a ticket for cricket in this country previously.

For Trent Rockets’ Sarah Glenn, the demographic of support offers particular reason for optimism three weeks out from the competition’s second edition. The chance to talk to the Trent Bridge faithful gives the leg-spinner greater cause for excitement.

“One thing I was quite gutted about last year was the fact we had to keep our distance from supporters,” the 24-year-old said, reflecting on the lingering impact of Covid during the first edition of The Hundred, “but the conversations I was able to have were really special.

“It ranged from girls who already played cricket saying they wanted to develop, to people who were watching for the first time and had no idea what was happening. 

“Regardless how the game went, you’d want to go and speak to them; those conversations can make all the difference. It’ll be exciting to see them again this year.” 

It was a support base who quickly took to the region representing the East Midlands, regardless of their club allegiances. 

Glenn believes the supportive environment created at Trent Bridge - evidenced in all cricket played at Nottinghamshire’s historic home - gives her and her teammates an advantage.

“It was a bit crazy last year,” she admitted, “I had never really played in front of crowds like that. I had to deal with it as a player - I’ve always thrived off an atmosphere, but for the first time I genuinely couldn’t hear instructions from my captains sometimes!

“Supporters just get wrapped up in the game, whether they have played cricket or not. They become a part of the atmosphere and it is such a friendly group of people.

“I hope we can continue to teach people about the game; that advantage of the electric atmosphere we have at Trent Bridge will help us massively.”

Glenn’s Rockets have the addition of Australians Meg Lanning and Alana King to bolster their chances of success. 

Top order batter Lanning is currently captain of her country and has scored nearly 8,000 all format runs in 221 appearances. 

Leg-spinner King, meanwhile, made her international debut across T20, 50 Over and Test cricket in the space of 15 days earlier this year, before being signed by the Rockets in April. 

Mignon Du Preez has also made the move from Manchester Originals to Nottingham to represent the Rockets, and brings a wealth of experience with over 250 Women’s One Day and T20 International caps. 

Glenn believes that, having adapted her game to the new format, international experience will only help the side continue to develop. 

“The biggest thing was trying to slow things down,” she said. “As a bowler you can get wrapped up and forget the process. The batters as well, they don’t have much time to discuss things. 

“We need to make sure we are set with our plans, and go with our gut if we need a decision quickly. 

“I think Alana and I will compliment each other really well. We can learn off each other, we can bowl in pairs and get those overs that can slow down the game. She is a great girl off the field so I’m sure we will get on really well.

“Meg will obviously help the team so much, she has got experience and has been involved in crucial games. She will be able to pass that on in how she goes about managing situations. 

“She is a cool character as well, so I think she will keep us calm. I can’t wait to have her in our side.”