With less than a week to go, excitement is mounting for the much-anticipated white-ball franchise cricket showdown, The Hundred 2025. On August 5, reigning champions London Spirit will face the Oval Invincibles at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The reigning champions boast a strong blend of leadership and international experience. At the helm is seasoned Australian star Grace Harris, whose composure and tactical acumen could be vital as captain in absence of Heather Knight. Harris also led Surrey to the title for Women’s T20 Blast at the Oval. The squad features a wealth of international talent, including Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, Harris herself, and Georgia Redmayne, each bringing proven pedigree to the side.
Georgia Redmayne, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter, was a standout performer last season, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 229 runs, just behind Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight. Grace Harris also scored a match-winning 63 not-out in the finals, leading her team to the victory. With Knight sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained against the West Indies, the onus will fall on experienced players like Redmayne and Harris to anchor the middle order and provide crucial stability with the bat.
The team also boasts a strong spin attack, featuring international talents Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn. Dean recently impressed in the white-ball series against India, where she was named Player of the Match in the final T20I for her figures of 3 for 23. She also made valuable contributions with the bat during the ODI series, highlighting her importance as a versatile lower-order option.
Although leg-spinner Sarah Glenn didn’t feature in the India series in favour of Sophie Ecclestone, she returned to the domestic circuit with The Blaze Women, where she has continued to perform consistently. Glenn has been a regular wicket-taker in both the T20 and 50-over formats, including a standout performance of 3 wickets in the T20 Blast semi-final.
Despite her team’s loss, she was a bright spot and remains a key player in the squad. She was also the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 season, playing a significant role in the champion campaign and will be eager to replicate her performance in the upcoming season.
The absence of former English captain Heather Knight due to injury delivers a significant blow to London Spirit’s 2025 campaign. Beyond her leadership qualities, Knight has been a dependable presence in the middle order, often stabilising the innings in tense moments. Her unavailability leaves a notable void in both strategy and temperament on the field.
Adding to that is the departure of Meg Lanning, who has joined Oval Invincibles for the upcoming season. The former Australian captain brought immense experience and world-class batting pedigree, and her exit strips the Spirit lineup of a key run-scorer and on-field leader. Her absence may also impact the team’s composure during high-pressure situations.
Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma’s withdrawal due to workload management further weakens the squad’s balance. The Indian all-rounder offered versatility with both bat and ball, particularly in spin-friendly conditions. Without her, the lower-middle order and bowling attack lose crucial depth and variety.
These losses collectively contribute to a disrupted squad cohesion. London Spirit, who lifted the trophy in 2024 with a well-settled XI, now face the challenge of rebuilding on short notice. Integrating new players into key roles while managing expectations may prove difficult as the team aims to defend its title in a more competitive and tactically sharp field.
Despite the challenges, London Spirit has several opportunities to seize in The Hundred 2025. The absence of senior players opens the door for emerging talents like Abi Norgrove, Danielle Gibson, and Eva Gray to step up and showcase their potential. With fresh faces taking on more responsibility, the team can build a new core that blends youthful energy with ambition.
Playing at Lord’s, their home ground, provides a familiar setting and supportive atmosphere that could help the squad find momentum and confidence throughout the tournament. Additionally, with expectations tempered due to recent changes, the Spirit players may feel less pressure and greater freedom to express themselves on the field, potentially allowing them to play with more creativity and resilience.
London Spirit faces notable challenges heading into The Hundred 2025, with key players absent and squad cohesion disrupted. However, these setbacks also present an opportunity for fresh talent to step up and for the team to rebuild its identity. Backed by strong home support and a determined group of players, Spirit still has the potential to be a formidable force. Their success will depend on how well they adapt to change and come together as a unit in the pursuit of defending their title.
London Spirit Women, Squad:
Charlie Dean (C), Grace Harris, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Georgia Redmayne, Eva Gray, Cordelia Griffith, Tara Norris, Sophie Munro, Issy Wong, Rebecca Tyson, Abi Norgrove, Kate Coppack
London Spirit Women, Schedule:
| Date | Venue | Location | Opposition |
| Tue, 05 Aug | Lord’s | London | Oval Invincibles |
| Sat, 09 Aug | Sophia Gardens | Cardiff | Welsh Fire |
| Mon, 11 Aug | Old Trafford | Manchester | Manchester Originals |
| Thu, 14 Aug | Lord’s | London | Trent Rockets |
| Sun, 17 Aug | Edgbaston | Birmingham | Birmingham Phoenix |
| Wed, 20 Aug | Lord’s | London | Northern Superchargers |
| Sat, 23 Aug | Lord’s | London | Southern Brave |
| Mon, 25 Aug | The Oval | London | Oval Invincibles |
