The Hundred Rules in Cricket: Format and Terminology Explained

The Hundred is a franchise cricket league organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board. The tournament is just like any other cricket competition in the country, alongside the County Championship, the One-Day Cup, and the T20 Blast. It was launched in 2019 to attract more viewers towards English cricket. The competition is held annually, and this time it is scheduled to take place on August 5.

The Hundred has eight teams, seven in England and one in Wales. Oval Invincibles are the reigning champions of the competition. Both their men's and women's teams are the most successful in the competition, winning it twice. The other seven franchises are Welsh Fire, Manchester Originals, London Spirit, Northern Superchargers, Birmingham Phoenix, Southern Brave, and Trent Rockets. English stars like Phil Salt, Joe Root and James Vince will feature in this tournament.

What is The Hundred Format?

The Hundred rules were created with the expectation that each match would last around two-and-a-half hours. One of the primary distinctions between The Hundred Rules and other cricket leagues is the length of the matches. Traditional T20 matches have 120 balls per innings; however, The Hundred uses only 100 balls. Each franchise should have 15 players with a maximum of three overseas cricketers, plus a maximum of one centrally contracted England player in the men's competition.

The Hundred format is intended to make the game faster-paced and more exciting for viewers. As per The Hundred match rules, each team plays one another once in a round-robin league structure, plus one additional "rivalry" match. The Hundred format prescribes that the top three teams go to the playoffs; the second and third-placed teams compete in the Eliminator, and the winner faces the first-placed team in the final. The Hundred cricket also gives importance to gender equality, as men's and women's teams play in double-headers at the same stadium.

What are the Rules of The Hundred?

The Hundred rules feature a unique set of laws intended to simplify the game and enhance its excitement. Below, we have added The Hundred rules for our fans to gain detailed knowledge about the competition. Let's dive into what they are.

• 100 balls per innings: The most defining rule of the tournament is that each team faces exactly 100 balls per innings. It makes the game shorter and more action-packed than traditional formats. The Hundred rules of 100 deliveries are bowled in sets, with flexibility in how the bowlers deliver them.

• Change of ends: Unlike traditional cricket, where ends switch every 6-ball over, The Hundred rules state that there will be a change of ends every 10 balls. This Hundred rule is done to reduce the frequency of end changes, maintaining game flow and improving pace. As per The Hundred rules, the bowlers need to bowl 10 balls in order to change ends and come from the other end.

• Bowlers can deliver either 5 or 10 consecutive balls: Captains can decide whether a bowler should deliver five or ten consecutive balls. If a bowler is in rhythm or has a favourable matchup, the captain may allow them to bowl ten consecutive. However, a bowler may be replaced after five balls to implement a different strategy or break a partnership. The hundred rules allow for a more proper bowling line and quick adaptation during high-pressure situations.

• Maximum 20 balls per bowler: As per The Hundred format, each bowler is allowed to deliver up to 20 balls in a match. It is equal to about one-fifth of the team’s total bowling allocation. This limitation ensures the use of five or more bowlers, helps team balance and depth in bowling options.

• Strategic Timeout: The fielding team is allowed one 2-minute strategic timeout per inning. This Hundred format enables the captain and coaching staff to discuss field settings, matchups, and tactical changes, particularly as momentum shifts.

• Powerplay: The first 25 balls of each innings are designated as the powerplay, during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Fielding captains must be aware of placements and bowling plans during this period to avoid early damage. The Hundred match rules help both teams to fire up from the first ball of the innings.

• Free Hit: As in many T20 formats, no-balls in The Hundred result in a free hit. The Hundred format has been used in all rules of cricket in white ball format of the game. The batter can only be run out in a no-ball and in a free hit as well. Other than this, the batter cannot be given out on free hits except runouts.

• No-over format: The Hundred format replaces the standard six-ball over idea. Instead, individual balls are counted, and a round number of 100 balls per innings. Overs are replaced with sets of 5 balls (or 10 if the captain extends the limit). This Hundred cricket rule helps all the cricketers to participate in the game and stay aware at all times.

• Ties in league matches: Sometimes, both teams will score the same number of runs. This is a tie. Teams get one point each for a tie. There is no super over format or any other format that has been used in the Hundred cricket.

The Hundred Terminology

The Hundred Terminology provides several unique rules. The Hundred rules' crucial terminology is that in traditional cricket, bowling is separated into six-ball stints known as overs. Key terminology includes ‘fives’, which refers to a set of five balls. ‘Strategic timeout’ is used for a two-minute break. The gender-neutral term 'batter' will be used instead of the conventional 'batsman' designation. There will be 11 batters in each team, with two active in the centre at all times and moving to fresh batters if one is out. The Hundred format also emphasises “Double-Headers”, where men’s and women’s matches are played on the same day at the same venue, promoting gender equality.