Manchester Originals players, led by captains Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone, kicked off The Hundred in style at renowned entertainment venue Freight Island at the weekend ahead of their first home match at Emirates Old Trafford, this Saturday 5 August against London Spirit.
Marking their eagerly anticipated return, the Manchester Originals squad joined Nxdia and DJ Roesh for a celebratory set at Freight Island – a cultural hub of entertainment, food and drink which boasts an array of cuisines from some of the much-celebrated kitchens in the North West and beyond.
The whole Manchester Originals squad were in attendance, including new overseas players leg spinner and Pakistani international Usama Mir, South Africa batter Laura Wolvaardt and Australian leg spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington.
Speaking at the event, Sophie Ecclestone, women’s captain of Manchester Originals, said: “It’s been a proper reunion! As a team we’ve got such a bond with this city and we’re so excited to be back. For the newer players, there’s no better way to welcome them to Manchester than to be here in the heart of the city. You really get to show off what Manchester is all about: great music, food and people! We can’t wait to bring cricket and The Hundred to crowds of cricket fans, familiar and new to the game.”
DJ Roesh added: “I was buzzing to be involved in the Manchester Originals launch event at Freight Island. There are some new faces on the team this year, so it’s been brilliant getting to know them in this kind of atmosphere. I’m already counting down to the first match on Saturday and looking forward to getting stuck in with the Originals.”
Now in its third year, The Hundred has firmly established itself as an unmissable summer experience for fans and families across the North West seeking a fun-filled day out. Offering a new, short and fast form of cricket, The Hundred aims to reach a broader audience and attract new fans to the sport. It’s simple: 100 balls per team, most runs wins.
Manchester Originals’ first home match at Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday 5 August will be a high-stakes contest with London Spirit, followed by a series of thrilling home fixtures – as follows:
- Monday 7 August – Manchester Originals vs Birmingham Phoenix – with special guest Antony Szmierek (women’s start 3pm, men’s start 6:30pm)
- Sunday 20 August – Manchester Originals vs Northern Superchargers – with special guest Nxdia (women’s start 11am, men’s start 2:30pm)
- Wednesday 23 August – Manchester Originals vs Southern Brave – with special guests Lottery Winners (women’s start 3pm, men’s start 6:30pm)
The line-up of music acts has been curated in partnership with BBC Music Introducing, headlined by chart-topping indie-pop band Lottery Winners, alternative R&B artist Akemi Fox, Arabic/English fusion pop artist Nxdia, and spoken word and indie hip-hop artist, Antony Szmierek. DJ Roesh and host Harpz Kaur will be keeping the energy levels high throughout the home fixtures.
Tickets for Manchester Originals home games range from £18 for adults, £5 for under 16s, and children under 6 enter free of charge.
For more information and ticket information, visit: https://www.thehundred.com/
