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The Hundred is a distinctive franchise-based cricket tournament that was introduced by England in 2021. This league features a unique format and set of rules that set it apart from traditional cricket tournaments. In The Hundred tournament, each team faces 100 balls in their innings, and overs can consist of either 5 or 10 balls.
The competition follows a round-robin league combined with playoffs structure. In the inaugural edition of the tournament, Team Southern Brave (SOB) emerged as the champions. In the subsequent year, Trent Rockets (TRT) was victorious in the second edition of the T100.
The third edition of the marquee event got off to an exciting start with a closely contested game between SOB and Trent Rockets (TRT). The Rockets managed to secure a six-run victory in a last-over finish, marking a thrilling beginning to the tournament.
The involvement of renowned international players in the Men’s Hundred 2023 has significantly enhanced the tournament’s allure and global reach. With team owners strategically acquiring the services of these accomplished cricketing talents, the competition has gained a level of star power that attracts fans from various cricket-loving nations. While the core of the teams consists of English players, the addition of overseas talents brings a diverse blend of skills and experiences to the field.
Here is a list of the five players from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL franchise who are also part of the squads in the Men’s Hundred 2023:
1. Finn Allen, Southern Brave
New Zealand’s dynamic opening batter, Finn Allen, is an integral member of the Braves squad competing in The Hundred. While Allen has been associated with the RCB roster for several seasons, he has yet to step onto the field in RCB colours for an IPL match.
In the ongoing Men’s Hundred 2023 tournament, The 24-year-old has featured in two games for the Braves. Demonstrating his aggressive style of play, he has provided his team with strong starts at the top of the order. However, he has not been able to convert those promising starts into substantial scores in these fixtures.
Allen’s performances with the Braves carry significance beyond the tournament itself. A standout season for the Auckland-born cricketer could significantly enhance his prospects of securing a spot in the RCB’s playing XI for the upcoming IPL 2024 edition. If he can consistently translate his explosive starts into significant contributions and impactful innings, Allen can strengthen his case for being a regular in RCB’s lineup in the next IPL season.
2. Reece Topley, Northern Superchargers
Left-arm fast bowler Reece Topley had his IPL debut earlier this year when he represented the RCB. His participation, Nevertheless, was limited to just one game, where he delivered a notable performance by securing figures of 1/14 against the Mumbai Indians (MI). Unfortunately, Topley’s IPL journey was cut short due to an injury, preventing his return to the competition.
In the ongoing Men’s Hundred 2023, the 29-year-old has demonstrated his prowess as a member of the superchargers squad. His performance in the tournament thus far has been exceptional, showcasing his skill with the ball. Across two fixtures, the left-arm speedster has claimed four wickets, notably contributing to his team’s victories.
A standout performance for Topley came in a game against the Braves, where he delivered a match-winning spell of 3/30. In this remarkable performance, the Ipswich-born cricketer managed to dismiss notable batters such as Allen and Tim David. This contribution played a significant role in the Superchargers’ impressive 60-run victory over the Braves.
Topley’s journey in the Men’s Hundred 2023 has been marked by his impactful performances with the ball, particularly his ability to pick up crucial wickets and contribute to his team’s success. His presence as a key member of the Superchargers squad adds depth and effectiveness to their bowling attack.
3. Will Jacks, Oval Invincibles
England all-rounder Will Jacks secured his inaugural IPL contract from the RCB during the mini-auction held last year. Anticipations were high among fans that Jacks would serve as a backup option for Glenn Maxwell within the RCB squad. Unfortunately, Jacks faced an untimely injury just prior to IPL 2023, which resulted in his absence throughout the entire season.
In the ongoing Men’s Hundred 2023, the 24-year-old has participated in two matches. Across these fixtures, he has accumulated a total of 27 runs. While the Chertsey-born cricketer’s performances have been relatively modest in terms of runs scored, his contributions and form in other tournaments, including The Hundred, will play a crucial role in influencing RCB’s decision on whether to retain him for the upcoming 2024 IPL season.
4. Wayne Parnell, Northern Superchargers
South African all-rounder Wayne Parnell, who joined RCB as a replacement signing for IPL 2023, has taken on the role of captain for the Superchargers squad in The Hundred. Parnell’s leadership skills have garnered attention, particularly in T20 leagues. In the recent past, he has exhibited remarkable captaincy prowess.
In the context of T20 leagues, the 34-year-old’s leadership capabilities have been evident. Earlier this year, he led Pretoria Capitals to a runners-up position in SA20. Similarly, in the USA, his captaincy led Seattle Orcas to the final of the Major League Cricket (MLC), underscoring his ability to guide teams effectively.
Despite his impressive leadership credentials, Parnell’s personal performance with the ball in The Hundred 2023 has seen limited success. Across the two matches he participated in, he managed to secure just two wickets. Nonetheless, his influence as captain could play a significant role in Superchargers’ journey in the tournament.
With Parnell at the helm, it will be intriguing to observe whether the Superchargers can progress to The Hundred 2023 final, capitalizing on his leadership acumen and the team’s collective efforts.
5. David Willey, Welsh Fire
David Willey, another left-arm fast bowler from the RCB team, is actively participating in the Men’s Hundred 2023. This versatile England all-rounder featured in four games for RCB during IPL 2023, demonstrating his skills by claiming three wickets and contributing 35 runs with the bat.
In the context of the third edition of The Hundred, Willey’s performances for Welsh Fire (WEF) have been notable. He commenced his campaign against Manchester Originals (MNR), making a modest contribution of three runs with the bat. Nonetheless, his impact was more pronounced with the ball, as he managed to secure 2 crucial wickets, playing a significant role in his team’s narrow 9-run victory.
In the subsequent encounter against the Braves, Willey displayed his well-rounded abilities by delivering an impressive innings of 31 runs in just 19 balls. This innings featured two substantial maximums. Moreover, his valuable wicket of Tim David showcased his all-round prowess. Despite his commendable efforts, his team faced a narrow defeat, losing the fixture by a mere 2 runs.
In the third game against the Invincibles, a fixture that ended in a tie, Willey’s contributions with both bat and ball were relatively subdued. However, he remains determined to enhance his performance in the forthcoming matches for Welsh Fire in The Hundred 2023.
