Lewis Gregory, captain of the Trent Rockets, believes that the declining quality of pitches is the primary reason for the drop in scoring during this season’s men’s Hundred. The average first-innings score has fallen from 155 last summer to 133 this year, with only one score surpassing 170 so far in 2024, compared to 14 such scores in 2023.
While some players have pointed to the ball as a possible cause, noting that it deviates more than the standard white Kookaburra due to the extra lacquer for branding, Gregory disagrees. He suggests that the same ball was used last season without issue, and instead blames "tired" pitches for the low scores seen across the country.
Gregory commented that the surfaces across the venues haven’t been ideal, noting that the combination of slightly more swing and worn-out pitches at the end of the English season has made it difficult for batsmen to score freely. This was evident in the Rockets’ recent match against Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston, where they were bowled out for just 118. Early movement from Tim Southee and Chris Wood left the Rockets struggling at 22 for 4 after 30 balls, highlighting the challenges posed by this year’s conditions. Gregory pointed out that the ball often deviates more than expected, making it tough to hit boundaries when the ball is moving. He also mentioned that the heavy cricket schedule throughout the summer has resulted in pitches that either favour spinners or offer considerable assistance to seamers.
The same eight venues have hosted the Hundred as in previous years, but unusually high rainfall in the UK this year has added to the difficulties for ground staff. Gregory mentioned that although he’s unsure of the exact cause, the pitches used in the past were generally better than those seen this year.
Interestingly, the average first-innings score in the women’s Hundred has remained relatively stable, dropping only slightly from 133 in 2023 to 130 in 2024. Some commentators have speculated that leaving more grass on the pitches has actually benefited the women’s game.
Why Rockets Retired Imad Wasim Out
During the loss to Birmingham Phoenix, the Rockets made the strategic decision to retire Imad Wasim out, bringing Chris Green in with 14 balls remaining to target a short leg-side boundary against Dan Mousley’s off-spin**Title: Andre Russell on Why West Indies Players Are Losing Interest in Test Cricket**
Andre Russell, a prominent West Indian cricketer, claims that the reluctance of top West Indies players to participate in Test cricket isn't driven by financial reasons but rather a lack of interest in the format.
For years, several West Indies cricketers who are highly sought after in global T20 leagues, including Russell himself, have consistently distanced themselves from playing Test cricket for their country. This has often led to them being labelled as mercenaries. In December 2023, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, and Kyle Mayers all declined West Indies central contracts, opting instead to remain available for T20 internationals. Despite this, Holder has continued to play Tests.
While many believe that the issue stems from the limited financial incentives in West Indian cricket, Russell disagrees. Speaking to the Press Association recently, he stated, "I don't think money is the issue." According to him, the abundance of T20 leagues worldwide has made many players lose interest in the longest format of the game.
Russell's comments came after the West Indies, currently at the bottom of the nine-team World Test Championship table, suffered a 3-0 defeat in England. The team has since managed to draw the first Test against South Africa in Port of Spain, a match where they were on the back foot for most of the time. However, due to rain and an aggressive declaration by South Africa, the West Indies reached a competitive position before time ran out. Meanwhile, Russell, along with Shimron Hetmyer, Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Kieron Pollard, were playing in The Hundred while the final Test against England was taking place in late July. Pollard, Powell, and Pooran have never played Test cricket, while Russell last appeared in a Test match in 2010. Hetmyer’s last Test appearance was in 2019, after playing 16 matches.
Russell admitted that Test cricket is not for him, stating, "Red-ball cricket is not my cookie; I don't think my body will keep up with Test cricket." He expressed his excitement at watching other West Indian players hit boundaries but emphasised that the opportunity to perform on the big stage often comes through T20 contracts rather than Test matches. He added, "I don't think it's about money or anything like that."
Now 36, Russell has managed to maintain his performance in short-format cricket despite enduring multiple leg injuries throughout his career, including a knee injury that forced him out of the 2019 ODI World Cup. For him, Test cricket is not a viable option. However, he acknowledged the efforts of the current Test players, noting that they are fit enough to face the challenges, even though playing against England at home remains a tough task for the West Indies.
Imad had scored 29 off 29 balls, but after facing three consecutive dot balls, the team decided it was better to send in Green. Unfortunately, the Rockets were bowled out on the final ball of the innings.
Gregory explained that the decision to retire Imad was discussed during the final 20 balls, with the team wanting to bring in a right-hander to take advantage of the shorter boundary. Although Imad had hit two boundaries shortly before being retired out, the team chose to give him another five balls before making the switch. Gregory acknowledged that while Imad did a commendable job under challenging circumstances, especially after coming in early at 22 for 4, they hoped Green could replicate his earlier performance of 25 off 7 balls. Whether the decision was right or wrong, Gregory admitted, is still up for debate.
Imad’s retirement joins similar tactical moves by Sam Billings, Wayne Madsen, and Kathryn Bryce during this season of the Hundred. Gregory expects this strategy to become more common in the future, particularly in shorter formats of the game. He noted that players are increasingly open to being retired out if they feel someone else might be better suited to the conditions, emphasising that in the short formats, creating small advantages can make a big difference.