The English cricket calendar is nearing one of its most exciting and hotly awaited domestic tournaments as the revolutionary men’s Hundred competition is all set to start from Tuesday, 5th August 2025. This will mark the fifth edition of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s innovative and new format of league cricket - a 100 ball high octane explosive tournament. The Hundred since its first season in 2021 has grown rapidly and has become one of the most anticipated and...
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The Trent Rockets have been one of the more consistent and impactful sides in The Hundred Men’s competition since its inception in 2021. Based out of the iconic Trent Bridge in Nottingham, the Rockets represent the counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire, and have built a reputation for playing fearless, high-intensity cricket. From the start, they’ve been driven by a mix of regional pride, explosive talent, and strong leadership, making them one of the standout franchises in the competition.
Formed as part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) vision to launch a fast-paced, 100-ball format, the Rockets hit the ground running. With former England all-rounder Lewis Gregory at the helm for the first four seasons and Andy Flower as head coach, the side found early rhythm through smart squad composition and aggressive gameplay. Among their biggest assets was England Test star Joe Root, who brought star power, calmness under pressure, and world-class ability to the Trent Rockets setup. Widely regarded as the most iconic player in their history, Root’s presence elevated the team both on and off the field, especially in the formative seasons of The Hundred.
The high point of their journey came in 2022, when the Rockets defeated Manchester Originals in a tightly contested final to lift their first-ever Hundred title. That triumph marked a turning point, positioning the team as one of the strongest in the competition and rewarding a core that had been built steadily over the previous seasons.
However, the seasons that followed saw a dip in fortunes. Despite entering the 2023 and 2024 editions with high expectations, the Rockets were unable to replicate their title-winning form. On both occasions, they finished fifth in the league table, narrowly missing out on playoff qualification. While the team remained competitive, inconsistency and untimely defeats kept them from progressing deeper into the tournament.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Rockets begin a new chapter. With David Willey replacing Lewis Gregory as captain, the franchise is looking to bounce back and rediscover the momentum that made them champions in 2022. With seasoned campaigners like Willey, the enduring presence of Joe Root, and a strong fan base across the East Midlands, the Trent Rockets remain a team to watch as they start the quest for their second Hundred tite.
Since the inception of The Hundred in 2021, the Trent Rockets have stood out for their aggressive brand of cricket and a stable leadership structure that helped them become one of the more successful franchises in the tournament. While other teams have rotated captains and experimented with leadership combinations, the Rockets placed their faith in Lewis Gregory for the first four seasons, a move that paid off handsomely in 2022 when they lifted their maiden title.
Lewis Gregory led from the front, providing the side with calmness, adaptability, and the ability to marshal a well-balanced squad.
Heading into the 2025 season, a new chapter begins for the Rockets as England pacer David Willey takes over the captaincy. The move signals a fresh direction for the franchise, as they look to bounce back from two successive fifth-place finishes in 2023 and 2024.
Lewis Gregory was the cornerstone of Trent Rockets' leadership during the franchise’s formative years. Appointed captain for the inaugural season, Gregory brought stability, all-round skills, and a strong tactical understanding of the 100-ball format. Under his leadership, the Rockets reached the playoffs in 2021 and then delivered their finest season in 2022, winning the title with a clinical performance in the final against Manchester Originals.
Even during the less successful 2023 and 2024 campaigns, Gregory remained composed and backed his players, creating an environment that nurtured individual talent and team cohesion. Over four completed seasons, he captained the side in 30 matches, registering 17 wins and maintaining a solid reputation as one of the most dependable leaders in the league.
Gregory’s leadership was defined by his calmness, ability to handle pressure, and smart use of his bowling options. His title win in 2022 cements his place as one of the most impactful captains in Trent Rockets history.
David Willey’s appointment as captain for the 2025 season marks a bold new chapter for Trent Rockets. Known for his attacking left-arm pace and ability to swing the new ball, Willey also brings years of captaincy experience from his domestic and T20 franchise career. His aggressive intent and no-nonsense attitude are expected to inject fresh energy into the side after two underwhelming seasons.
Willey will be hoping to emulate Gregory’s success while carving his own legacy. With Joe Root as his vice-captain, Willey has a strong leadership foundation to guide the Rockets into what they hope will be another title-winning era.
The Trent Rockets, representing Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire in The Hundred Men’s competition, have built a reputation as one of the more successful and consistent teams in the tournament’s brief history
Under the leadership of Lewis Gregory and with Andy Flower as head coach, the Trent Rockets found early momentum in The Hundred. After a strong league finish in 2021, they broke through in 2022 with a title-winning campaign. The Rockets defeated Manchester Originals in a thrilling final to clinch their first and only Hundred championship so far.
While the title win in 2022 remains their biggest achievement, the seasons that followed were less fruitful. In both 2023 and 2024, the Rockets finished fifth in the league stage, narrowly missing out on playoff qualification.
Here’s a look at their key team and individual records as of July 2025:
The Trent Rockets’ team records reflect their competitive journey in The Hundred. Their highest team total of 193/2 came during their title-winning 2022 campaign against Manchester Originals, showcasing their explosive batting depth. The lowest total of 96 all out against Southern Brave in 2021 marked an early stumble in their Hundred journey. With six wins in 2022, their most in a single season and four consecutive victories during that run, the Rockets made two playoff appearances and reached one final, which they won. That 2022 triumph remains their proudest achievement to date.
Trent Rockets have been home to several standout performers. Alex Hales leads the run charts with 736 runs and also holds the record for most sixes (27) and catches (12), underlining his all-round value. Dawid Malan, another top performer, has the most fifties (7) and fours (80), including a match-winning 98* — the team’s highest individual score. On the bowling front, Sam Cook has taken the most wickets (29), while Marchant de Lange’s fiery 5/20 against Southern Brave in 2021 remains the best bowling spell in franchise history. No player has scored a hundred yet.
Since the inception of The Hundred in 2021, Trent Rockets have developed into one of the most competitive franchises in the men’s tournament. Based out of Nottingham and representing the historic counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, the Rockets have consistently been in the mix for playoff spots. With a core of experienced English talent and impactful overseas stars, they’ve found themselves at the center of several memorable clashes and developing rivalries over the years.
Here’s a look at some of the key rivalries that have defined Trent Rockets' journey in The Hundred so far:
One of the fiercest rivalries in The Hundred has been between Trent Rockets and Southern Brave. Both sides were early pacesetters in the competition, with Brave winning the inaugural title in 2021 and Rockets lifting the trophy in 2022. Their matchups have often had playoff or title implications and have consistently produced high-quality cricket.
Southern Brave have had a slight edge over the Rockets in head-to-head encounters, winning three out of five meetings. However, their contests are usually close and packed with individual brilliance. With both sides expected to make deep runs in upcoming seasons, this rivalry will likely remain one of the most intense in The Hundred.
Another exciting modern rivalry has been between Trent Rockets and Manchester Originals. This rivalry gained traction after several close group-stage battles and a fiery eliminator in 2023, where Manchester edged past Rockets to deny them another shot at the title. These two sides have a strong fan base and regularly produce edge-of-the-seat thrillers.
With an even head-to-head record, the battle between the Rockets and Originals has all the ingredients of a blockbuster rivalry — balance, high-scoring games, and superstar players on both sides.
The matchup between Trent Rockets and Oval Invincibles has become a high-stakes fixture in recent seasons, especially with Invincibles’ rise to back-to-back champions in 2023 and 2024. Though they have clashed relatively fewer times, each encounter has carried significant playoff or title implications.
The Trent Rockets and Oval Invincibles have had some fiery encounters with one another and both these sides having played four encounters and won two each.
A regional rivalry, the games between Trent Rockets and Birmingham Phoenix are often dubbed the “Midlands Derby.” Both franchises represent cricket-rich counties and have passionate local followings, making every clash a matter of pride.
The Trent Rockets haven’t enjoyed the best of times in the “Midlands Derby” as they have played seven matches against the Birmingham Phoenix and only emerged victorious twice in those games. Birmingham Phoenix have won five of those games, the Trent Rockets heading into the 2025 season will be looking to better their 28.57% winning percentage against the Birmingham Phoenix.
The Trent Rockets have been one of the standout franchises in The Hundred Men’s competition, combining regional heritage with high-performance cricket. Representing Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire, and based out of Trent Bridge in Nottingham, the Rockets soared to prominence with their title-winning campaign in 2022.
For the first four seasons of The Hundred (2021–2024), Trent Rockets were fully owned and operated by Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, in partnership with the ECB. The county played a pivotal role in building the franchise from the ground up, ensuring it had the resources, infrastructure, and support to compete at the highest level. Backed by a loyal local fanbase and a strong cricketing legacy, Nottinghamshire CCC laid the foundations for the Rockets' rise culminating in the team’s maiden title win in 2022.
However, a major transformation took place ahead of the 2025 season, when the England and Wales Cricket Board opened The Hundred to private investment. As part of this commercial expansion, Nottinghamshire CCC chose to retain a 51% controlling stake, while selling 49% of the franchise to Cain International and Ares Management for a reported £79 million, valuing the team at approximately £80 million.
This marked a new era for the Rockets. The investment group, led by Chelsea FC co-owner Todd Boehly and Jonathan Goldstein, brings extensive experience in global sports and entertainment. Cain International has a growing sports portfolio, including co-ownership of Chelsea FC and ties to the LA Dodgers and Strasbourg FC. Their partnership with Ares Management, a leading global investment firm, adds further financial and strategic muscle to the table.
As one of the flagship franchises of The Hundred, the Trent Rockets have steadily grown into a commercially attractive brand. Their on-field consistency, especially the men’s title triumph in 2022, has made them an appealing destination for brands looking to connect with cricket’s fast-growing, family-friendly audience. Backed by a loyal fanbase in the East Midlands and a venue as iconic as Trent Bridge, the Rockets continue to draw a range of sponsorship deals across key sectors.
At the centre of their commercial lineup is Skips, a leading brand under KP Snacks, the official title sponsor of The Hundred.
Trent Rockets, the Nottingham-based franchise in The Hundred, have carved out a strong and steadily expanding fan base since the tournament’s inception in 2021. While The Hundred as a league continues to grow in popularity, the Rockets have positioned themselves as one of the more recognisable and followed teams in the competition — thanks to a mix of regional loyalty, on-field success, and strategic ownership.
Representing the counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire, the Rockets enjoy a wide base of cricket fans across the Midlands. Their home ground, Trent Bridge, is among the most historic and atmospheric cricket venues in the country. It has consistently drawn enthusiastic crowds, with a vibrant matchday experience that appeals to both traditional cricket fans and a newer, younger audience introduced through The Hundred’s innovative format.
While the Trent Rockets do not yet boast massive numbers on social media compared to other global franchises, their digital presence is growing steadily. Their community engagement across the Midlands, supported by matchday family activations and inclusive fan zones, has helped foster a loyal regional fanbase.
Their current digital reach of under 40K followers reflects room for growth, but with the 2025 season marking a new chapter in franchise ownership, that could change quickly. The sale of a 49% stake to Cain International and Ares Management, led by Todd Boehly, the co-owner of Chelsea FC has the potential to revolutionise the Trent Rockets' global appeal.
The Rockets may not yet rival the branding scale of IPL franchises or other global T20 brands, but their foundation is solid. With a historic home, a title-winning team, and now world-class investors in place, Trent Rockets are poised to become one of the most followed and commercially exciting teams in The Hundred’s future.
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