Last week, I wrote a column suggesting the Hundred was the worst thing cricket has ever done, citing its silly format, cult-like tone, and destructive scheduling. The punishment? A day at the Hundred itself, to see the other side. And despite my reservations, it turned out to be a genuinely good day.
The Utilita Bowl was close to four-fifths full for a non-international match between two recently invented teams. Families dominated the crowd, reflecting school holiday scheduling. The venue looked shiny and coherently glammed-up, with a DJ stage and Sky Sports commentary hutch. Even at 10.56am, the in-house DJ managed to pump up a crowd of around 4,000 for the start of the women's match.
The highlight came when England Test captain Ben Stokes, injured and 'milling around', spotted two gawping kids across a mini-roundabout. He went over, said hello, signed a piece of paper, and left them delighted. Later, he sat on the Superchargers bench, radiating star power. It was a reminder that the Hundred does have its moments.
Yes, the Hundred isn't as bad as rebel tours or concussion. It's better than the Caymans Max 60 League, described as 'the Fyre festival of cricket'. The lesson is simple: if you sell it cheap and well, people will come. For once, good cricket planning is in its favour.
