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Manchester Originals Women, haunted by three unsuccessful attempts, will once again compete as one of the eight teams for the The Hundred Women's glory through the 2024 edition, starting July 23.
In each of the preceding three editions of the tournament, the franchise failed to get in contention for the playoffs. On the contrary, their fortunes dwindled with each passing season, slumping from a fifth-place finish in 2021 to a sixth-place finish in 2022 and ultimately falling to number seven in 2023.
Despite securing just two wins from six completed fixtures last year, the Manchester Originals Women retained captain Sophie Ecclestone in a bid to replace past trauma with potential glory going ahead.
On this yearning quest, Sophie Ecclestone will be joined by seven other retained players, including overseas star and South African batting heavyweight Laura Wolvaardt.
Overall, the franchise retained captain Ecclestone, Proteas opener Wolvaardt alongside local talents Emma Lamb, Mahika Gaur, Fi Morris, Kathryn Bryce, Ellie Threlkeld, and Liberty Heap during the retention window back in late-February this year.
At the auction, the Manchester Originals Women franchise further enhanced its line-up with the inclusion of legendary Australian wicketkeeper Beth Mooney. Bowlers Lauren Filer, Phoebe Graham, Danielle Gregory also joined the expanded squadron alongside all-rounders Evelyn Jones and Alice Monaghan.
While the franchise also added Sophie Molineux, the Australian left-arm spinner was ruled out mere days prior to the launch of The Hundred owing to an untimely injury. The 26-year-old was instead replaced by fellow Australian Kim Garth, a fast-bowling all-rounder with an experience of 57 T20I matches.
All in all, the Sophie Ecclestone-led Manchester line-up is composed of a near-perfect blend of international experience and youthful exuberance. With the likes of Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney as well as captain Ecclestone herself bringing in years of experience into the table, the franchise will be aiming to erase past anguish by adding some glorious chapters to the Manchester Originals lore.
Manchester Originals Women squad for The Hundred 2024
Here is the Manchester Originals Women complete list of players for the Women’s The Hundred 2024 season:
Sophie Ecclestone (c), Beth Mooney, Bethan Ellis, Laura Wolvaardt, Lauren Filer, Evelyn Jones, Kim Garth, Emma Lamb, Mahika Gaur, Fritha Morris, Kathryn Bryce, Phoebe Graham, Eleanor Threlkeld, Liberty Heap, Danielle Gregory and Alice Monaghan.
