Ackermann and Parkinson head into The Hundred

The inaugural The Hundred competition is now all set for it’s launch following the 2021 draft which took place yesterday, Monday, 22 February, 2021, with the squads being announced earlier today.

Each team was finalised with their final picks coming in this morning, and Leicestershire County Cricket Club can announce that captain Colin Ackermann, and vice-captain Callum Parkinson have been picked up for the launch of the ECB’s new shortest format.

Ackermann, who lead the Running Foxes to the T20 Vitality Blast quarter-final last season has been picked up by Manchester Originals in a squad that also features former-Fox Harry Gurney, as well as England stars; Jos Buttler, Matt Parkinson, Jamie Overton and Phil Salt. The Originals’ overseas spots are occupied by Windies’ highly-rated wicketkeeper batsman; Nicholas Pooran, South African fast bowler; Kagiso Rabada, and right-arm Pakistan spinner; Shadab Khan.

After being included in the Originals’ squad, Foxes skipper Ackermann said: “I am delighted to be picked for Manchester Originals in the inaugural edition of The Hundred.

"With some of the world's best short format players on show, it sure will be an entertaining and exciting tournament to be a part of."

Parkinson, whose role for the Running Foxes has significantly increased in recent years, will also be heading North as he was picked up by Northern Superchargers.

The left-arm spinner will link up with the likes of England hero Ben Stokes, as well as the Australian duo of the limited-overs captain; Aaron Finch, and top-order batsman Chris Lynn. The Superchargers also have dangerous batsmen Adam Lyth, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and David Willey at their disposal.

The Running Foxes’ man will have the chance to learn from two of the world’s best spinners in Adil Rashid and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Upon being picked up by the Superchargers, Parkinson said: “I am absolutley delighted to be picked up!

"Headingley is a great ground and the team Northern Superchargers have gathered looks really strong. I am excited to learn from two quality spinners in Adil [Rashid] and Mujeeb [Ur Rahman] and can't wait to get started."

Leicestershire CCC CEO Sean Jarvis was delighted to see two Running Foxes included within the competition, he said: “To have two Running Foxes included in the inaugural edition of The Hundred is great.

“Colin [Ackermann] and Callum [Parkinson] both thoroughly deserve their inclusion in the tournament, and it is testament to the strides shown by the squad that Paul [Nixon] is assembling here at the Uptonsteel County Ground.

“We all wish Colin and Callum the very best of luck.”

Head Coach Paul Nixon was proud to have two of his squad involved, and thought it was thoroughly deserved: "We are all immensely proud and it is so well deserved for Ackers [Colin Ackermann] and Parky [Callum Parkinson].

"Both Parky and Ackers have had outstanding consistent performances for us over the past couple of season now, and Ackers embraced his leadership role last season during his first full season as Club captain superbly, whereby Parky showed immense composure in high pressure situations which has rewarded him in being picked for The Hundred.

"They both will be missed over the course of the Royal London Cup, but we are looking at this as opportunities for the rest of squad to push on and excel."