Batters Adam Hose and Ria Fackrell teamed up with 20 budding stars, aged 11 to 13-years-old, who were taking part in a Glow in the Dark cricket programme delivered by the Edgbaston Foundation. The programme aims to get girls in inner city areas more active and involved in sport.

“Cricket can make a huge difference to people’s lives,” said Hose. “As well as the physical fitness side, it brings people together to have fun.

“It’s been great to further promote the game to its grassroots here today at Washwood Heath Academy and to tell the pupils about The Hundred. It promises to be a fantastic competition and hopefully we’ll see lots of children at Edgbaston and Blackfinch New Road in the summer to cheer on Birmingham Phoenix and get the grounds rocking.”

It’s been great to further promote the game to its grassroots here today at Washwood Heath Academy and to tell the pupils about The Hundred. It promises to be a fantastic competition and hopefully we’ll see lots of children at Edgbaston and Blackfinch New Road in the summer.

Adam Hose

Starting on 17 July, many of the world’s best players will take part in The Hundred, with Birmingham Phoenix men playing home games at Edgbaston Stadium and the women’s team based at Blackfinch New Road, Worcester.

Birmingham Phoenix play the opening game of the women’s competition against Manchester Originals, at Blackfinch New Road on Wednesday 22 July, subsequently taking part in a double header at Edgbaston two days later, featuring both men’s and women’s teams versus Southern Brave.

Ria Fackrell said: “The Hundred is a great opportunity for the women’s game and I’m very excited at the prospect of playing with and against so many of the world’s best cricketers, who are currently on show at the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.

“It means so much to be playing for my local team. Edgbaston is like a second home for me as I’ve been training here since the age of nine. Playing in-front of a big crowd on the double header day will be an unbelievable experience.

“It’s also great that we’ll be the centre of attention by hosting the first game, at Blackfinch New Road, where I have grown up watching the England women’s team on many occasions.”

The Hundred promises to be one of the biggest sporting events of the summer with accessible ticket prices designed to appeal to families of all shapes and sizes.

The initial priority sales window is open until 28 February, so fans need to act fast to secure the early-bird offers and grab the best seats to watch the world’s biggest cricket stars go head-to-head.

Tickets start at just £26 for a family of four with tickets for under-16s priced at £5 for any match. Visit thehundred.com to sign up, and snap up, the early-bird discount tickets. Visit www.thehundred.com for further ticket information.