ECB makes major change after disappointing 2024 season
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has removed the controversial white Kookaburra balls branded with The Hundred’s logo following a year of sustained criticism from players and concerns over consistently low-scoring matches.
According to ESPNcricinfo’s Matt Roller, scoring in the men’s edition of The Hundred dropped to just 1.37 runs per ball in 2024 — significantly lower than other major short-form leagues such as the IPL, Major League Cricket, and SA20. Despite being the shortest mainstream format, The Hundred failed to deliver on its promise of attacking, high-tempo cricket.
Specialist new-ball bowlers like Tim Southee and Daniel Worrall dominated proceedings last season, with teams frequently collapsing in the opening phases of their innings.
Moeen Ali: “The seam seems to be massive”
Much of the blame for the scoring dip was directed at the Hundred-branded balls, which were used in the first four seasons of the competition. The balls featured a large ‘H’ logo that reportedly required additional lacquer, resulting in what players described as a ‘plasticky’ surface and oversized seam.
“The seam seems to be massive,” Moeen Ali told The Cricketer.
“Every game, it seems the ball is nipping. Most teams are 30 for 5 in most games.”
Though Kookaburra maintained that the balls were manufactured to the same specifications as their standard white balls — with the only difference being the logo — player perception remained negative throughout the 2024 season.
ECB study finds minimal impact, but perception drives policy
In response to the criticism, the ECB commissioned an extensive study over the winter. While ball-tracking data did show an increase in seam movement and swing — particularly early in matches — the analysis attributed this to weather conditions, pitch behavior, and the format’s unique bowling rules, rather than the design of the ball itself.
Still, with player dissatisfaction mounting and public confidence in the product waning, the ECB opted for a pragmatic course correction. For The Hundred 2025, the tournament will now use the same batch of Kookaburra balls used in the T20 Blast — a move aimed at creating a more batting-friendly environment.
No immediate payoff as low scores continue in 2025 opener
Despite the equipment change, The Hundred 2025 began on a familiar note. In the curtain-raiser, London Spirit — featuring marquee players David Warner and Kane Williamson — were bowled out for just 80 runs by Oval Invincibles.
“It was a tough wicket to bat on,” Rashid Khan said, after taking 3 for 11 on debut for the two-time defending champions.
While the slow, low surface played a major role in the result, the ECB will be watching closely to see whether the ball change brings the broader, long-term improvements it hopes for.
The Hundred’s format adds complexity to balance
The Hundred is a unique 100-ball format in which bowlers can deliver up to 10 consecutive balls, and teams often front-load their top bowlers in the first 20 deliveries. This structure, combined with early overcast conditions common in England, has amplified the impact of any assistance from the ball.
The ECB’s latest decision reflects a broader effort to recalibrate the balance between bat and ball — not only for the sake of entertainment, but to keep The Hundred competitive with other global leagues in an increasingly crowded cricket calendar.
With the new balls in play and players’ concerns acknowledged, attention now turns to whether the changes can reinvigorate scoring — and the appeal — of the ECB’s flagship short-form tournament.
