*THE HUNDRED MENS COMPETITION- MATCH 23: TRENT ROCKETS VS MANCHESTER ORIGINALS 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
The Trent Rockets have had a mixed season so far. They have won two games, lost two while one was washed out due to rain. They beat the Welsh Fire in their previous fixture in a closely fought contest to get back to winning ways. Momentum is now in their favour and that’s a dangerous weapon to have when considering the players at their disposal. Especially now that Hampshire star John Turner has broken into the team, his fast bowling adding an extra layer of class to this Rockets’ line-up that could prove a point of difference moving forward.
On the other hand, The Manchester Originals responded brilliantly to their hammering at the hands of Oval Invincibles by doling out a thrashing of their own, crushing Northern Superchargers by 40 runs. They have five points to their name in as many games. They have won two games and lost as many in this tournament so far.
*TRENT ROCKETS PROBABLE XI:*
Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (wk), Joe Root, Colin Munro, Daniel Sams, Lewis Gregory (c), Samit Patel, Ish Sodhi, Luke Wood, John Turner
Ever since Root has come into this setup with his outrageous 360 degree hitting, the Rockets have peaked and peaked so well that we’ve lost track of the talent that this man possesses. He is making it look easy at this point- playing in an orthodox fashion and suddenly shifting to being an urorthodox player- he knows it all. Nothing but admiration for the transition that he has been involved in and can’t wait to see what he has in store.
Though Luke Wood has blasted away with his speed and accuracy, i expect Sams and Gregory with their swing cutters and medium pace to come out on top today.
*MANCHESTER ORIGINALS PROBABLE XI:*
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Laurie Evans, Ben Raine, Ashton Turner, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Usama Mir, Tom Hartley, Joshua Little, Josh Tongue
Jos Buttler and Jamie Overton with maximum runs for their side in this tournament, will be crucial picks as two identical outfits in the season so far look to push further into obvilion for a final push. The Aggresive nature of their batting will be tested against the bowling of the Rockets, who have been rocketing to a new level of precision.
Excited to watch Usama Mir control the run scoring in the middle and make the stage his own at the Hundred. Over the last few years, he has been an absolute white ball cricket asset who has made leg spin look very easy. With the right backing and guidance, the lad is on the right track and tomorrow presents himself with another golden opportunity to get the job done.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR TRENT ROCKETS:*
Highest run getter- Joe Root/Alex Hales
Highest wicket taker- Lewis Gregory/Daniel Sams
*FOR ORIGINALS:*
Highest run getter- Jos Buttler
Highest wicket taker- Usama Mir
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Rockets to win