As the excitement builds for the 2025 edition of The Hundred, all eyes turn to the highly anticipated tournament opener set for August 5, where the Oval Invincibles will face off against the defending champions London Spirit in what promises to be a thrilling start to the campaign. With a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging domestic talent, the Invincibles will be looking to make an early statement. Ahead of this crucial clash, we take a closer look at the possible playing XI the Invincibles might field as they aim to begin their season on a winning note.
Meg Lanning
Since her retirement from international cricket, Australian ‘Megastar’ Meg Lanning has continued to shine in franchise leagues around the world. She made her debut in The Hundred last year for London Spirit, scoring 170 runs in the tournament. This season, she has switched allegiances to the two-time champions, joining the Oval-based franchise. Though currently absent from competitive cricket, Lanning was last seen leading the Delhi Capitals in the WPL, taking them to yet another final. While the title remained elusive, she led from the front with over 270 runs at a healthy strike rate. Now, she will be aiming to replicate her strong WPL and WBBL performances for the most successful club in The Hundred.
Lauren Winfield-Hill
Top-order batter and wicketkeeper Lauren Winfield-Hill is a seasoned campaigner in the English domestic circuit. She will be expected to anchor the innings and provide stability alongside dynamic batters like Meg Lanning and Alice Capsey. With her experience behind the stumps, she also brings sharp game awareness and will look to contribute both with the gloves and with her ability to read the match from behind the wickets. In 30 outings in The Hundred, she has scored 582 runs, at a strike rate of 119.29, and registered the highest of 74*.
Alice Capsey
Once considered a prodigy, this batting all-rounder has since become a regular fixture in the senior England team. In The Hundred, she has amassed 602 runs, including four half-centuries, and maintains a healthy strike rate of 125. Her off spin offers the captain an additional bowling option, and she has already claimed 19 wickets while keeping her economy rate under 7. Although she was left out of the squad for the final match against India, she returned to the domestic circuit and responded strongly with the bat. Her recent run of form will boost her confidence heading into the upcoming season of The Hundred.
Paige Scholfield
Paige Scholfield is an experienced campaigner who adds depth to the middle order with the bat. She also brings value with the ball, capable of chipping in with her medium pace and providing crucial breakthroughs when needed. Her all-round abilities offer balance and flexibility to the squad. In 16 outings in the Hundred, she has accumulated 268 runs, at a strike rate of 134.67, and from 7 bowling innings has also picked up 8 wickets.
Jo Gardner
Jo Gardner is known for her contributions with both bat and ball. A right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner, she brings versatility and energy to the field. Her adaptability across roles makes her a valuable asset for Oval Invincibles heading into the new season. So far in The Hundred, she has added 101 runs from 14 innings.
Marizanne Kapp
The South African all-rounder is widely regarded as one of the best in the history of women’s cricket. Marizanne Kapp is a genuine threat with the new ball, using her ability to swing it into the batter, especially in English conditions. In addition to her wicket-taking skills, she is a disciplined bowler who has maintained an economy rate under six in every league she has played. Kapp has taken 37 wickets in The Hundred and played a crucial role in Oval Invincibles’ title-winning campaigns. She was named Player of the Final in both of the team’s victories. With the bat, she has been just as destructive, scoring 630 runs, often finishing innings with quick runs in the lower order.
Phoebe Franklin
Phoebe Franklin is an all-rounder known for her right-arm medium-pace bowling and right-handed batting. An experienced domestic player in the English circuit, she has made important contributions across various competitions. Franklin will be aiming to replicate that impact in the upcoming season of The Hundred. Fresh off notable success in the recently concluded Women’s T20 Blast, where she picked 13 wickets and added 126 runs in 13 games, she could be key in the team’s campaign.
Amanda-Jade Wellington
The Australian leg-spinner, who has chosen to focus on franchise cricket over international duties, has firmly established herself as one of the best in the format. She has taken 45 wickets in The Hundred while maintaining an impressive economy rate of just 6.84. With two four-wicket hauls to her name, she has consistently delivered in key moments and can also contribute with the bat in the lower order. Her clever variations and tactical awareness with the ball will be crucial for Oval Invincibles as they aim to secure a third title.
Sophia Smale
Another emerging left-arm spinner in the English domestic setup is 20-year-old Sophia Smale. Despite her young age, she has already taken 22 wickets in her brief Hundred career. While representing Essex, Smale has also contributed with both bat and ball in domestic List A and T20 matches, showcasing her all-round potential. She is a promising prospect not only for her franchise but also for the future of the England national team.
Ryana Macdonald-Gay
Ryana Macdonald-Gay is an emerging medium-pace all-rounder who continues to impress in the English domestic circuit. At just 21, she has already represented the senior England team across all formats. In three seasons with Oval Invincibles, she has taken 21 wickets, with best figures of 4 for 16. She also played a key role in Surrey’s successful Women’s T20 Blast campaign, contributing with the ball. Macdonald-Gay will be eager to carry that form into The Hundred and make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
Tash Farrant
Tash Farrant is an experienced English left-arm fast-medium bowler. She has been highly effective in The Hundred, picking up 18 wickets in just 10 matches while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.20. After missing the last few editions, with her last appearance coming in 2021, Farrant will be eager to return to the competition and play a key role in her team’s success.
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