SWOT Analysis: Manchester Originals Women’s Squad 2025 – Schedule and Key Players to Watch

The Manchester Originals have consistently struggled to advance to the knockout stages in recent seasons. Recently, Sanjiv Goenka acquired a major stake in the club, with talks of a possible rebranding underway after the 2025 season. Could this new ownership mark a turning point for the franchise? Only time will tell once preparations pick pace for the 2026 season. Focusing on the season ahead, here is the squad’s analysis.

Beth Mooney, the Australian opener, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best T20 batters. Currently ranked number one in the ICC T20I batting rankings, she is known for her consistency and high strike rate. In her 14 matches in The Hundred, Mooney has scored nearly 400 runs at an average close to 40, with an impressive strike rate of 139. Most recently, she starred against New Zealand, scoring 166 runs across the series, including two half-centuries in three matches, and was named Player of the Series.

West Indies’ Deandra Dottin is another powerful batter capable of turning games with her aggressive stroke play and high T20I strike rate. Together, this batting line-up forms a major strength for the team.

All-rounders Amelia Kerr and Sophie Ecclestone are standout performers and proven match winners. Kerr, a New Zealand all-rounder, offers leg-spin and explosive batting. She won the Purple Cap in the 2025 Women’s Premier League and played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians’ second championship win. Kerr’s ability to influence matches with her batting, bowling, and fielding makes her a vital asset.

Meanwhile, Sophie Ecclestone, England’s leading spin bowler, is a proven match winner who has showcased her skills across T20 leagues worldwide. Alongside her bowling, she brings leadership qualities that add valuable balance to the side with her explosive batting down the order. Their combined ability to impact all aspects of the game greatly strengthens the team.

The bowling unit is a strong one, led by Sophie Ecclestone’s left-arm spin. Lauren Filer provides pace and consistency, while young fast bowler Mahika Gaur brings exciting emerging talent to the attack. Kerr’s leg-spin adds an extra dimension, giving the team valuable variety and versatility to adapt across different pitch conditions.

But beyond Mooney and Dottin, the batting lineup, including Eve Jones, Ella McCaughan, and Alice Monaghan, lacks extensive T20 experience at this level. The team faced middle-order collapses in previous seasons, and this weakness could return if the top order fails to deliver.

Manchester Originals have also struggled to make the playoffs, managing only one win in 2023. Their 2024 campaign was also disrupted by a cancelled match, contributing to a lack of momentum and confidence.

The team relies heavily on key overseas players such as Amelia Kerr, Beth Mooney, and Deandra Dottin for major contributions. Any international commitments or dips in form could expose vulnerabilities, as the team has experienced during previous absences of these star players.

Young players like Mahika Gaur and Seren Smale have the opportunity to make their mark in a high-profile tournament. Gaur, especially, is a promising pace bowler who could flourish under Sophie Ecclestone and other seasoned cricketers’ guidance.

The 2025 draft additions of Beth Mooney, Amelia Kerr, and Deandra Dottin have boosted the squad’s quality. These signings offer the chance to build a more cohesive unit capable of competing with top teams such as Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave.

Teams have stronger squads on paper. This poses a significant challenge for Manchester Originals. Their failure to reach the 2024 playoffs highlights the threat posed by these rivals.

Key players such as Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Filer have had injury concerns in the past. Any injuries to these core players could disrupt the team’s balance, especially given how much the Originals rely on their performances.

With high-profile signings like Beth Mooney and Amelia Kerr, there is increased pressure to perform. This added expectation could affect younger players like Ella McCaughan and Alice Monaghan in important matches.

The Hundred’s unique 100-ball format demands quick adaptation. Opponents who use power plays and spin more strategically could expose the Originals’ weaknesses, as was evident during their struggles in their previous campaigns.

Manchester Originals Women’s Squad, The Hundred 2025:

Amelia Kerr, Sophie Ecclestone, Beth Mooney, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Eve Jones, Kathryn Bryce, Fi Morris, Danielle Gregory, Deandra Dottin, Seren Smale, Ella McCaughan, Alice Monaghan, Esmae MacGregor, Darcey Carter

Manchester Originals Women’s Fixtures, The Hundred 2025:

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