For Birmingham local Dan Mousley, The Hundred’s commitment to local communities is clear, bringing “so many different people into the game, who probably wouldn’t have got involved in the game before”.
A strong left-handed ball-striker and off-spin bowler, Mousley has seen benefits of The Hundred in his own local area: “I know from my village people who only got involved in the game of cricket because they watched The Hundred”.
This grassroots effect of the competition is integral to drive the “game going forward into a good place.”
Though he has experienced franchise tournaments around the world, signing for Peshawar Zalmi, MI Emirates and Team Abu Dhabi, Mousley believes that the uniqueness of The Hundred lies in the teams’ relationships with their supporters, making cricket a more open and accessible game. “I love playing in front of a home crowd. The Hollies [at Edgbaston] is always bouncing, so to play with Birmingham, in Birmingham, is something I’m really looking forward to this year”.
The Phoenix boast a string of acclaimed England white-ball players, such as Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali. Alongside Chris Woakes, Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith who are expected to feature following the conclusion of England’s Test series against West Indies, the spine of the team is full of experienced multi-format internationals.
With the arrival of Sean Abbott, Adam Milne and Tim Southee as overseas players, the Phoenix have added an excellent battery of quicks to form a formidable seam attack.
The Men’s and Women’s Hundred competitions promise fast-paced, explosive excitement for both new and experienced cricket lovers. For everyone who loves the sport, or for those looking to get involved, Mousley encourages young players to “always take the positive option no matter how nervous you’re feeling” and to never lose the “natural love of the game”.
Dan Mousley was speaking in Birmingham where KP Snacks, Official Team Partner of The Hundred, are two years into their initiative to create 100 new cricket pitches across the UK.
KP Snacks, Official Team Partner of The Hundred, are in the second year of a three-year project to fund 100 new community cricket pitches. To find out more and search for a pitch visit: www.everyonein.co.uk/pitchfinder
