LONDON — In a significant triple announcement that underscores their ambition for the 2024 season, MI London have confirmed the retention of England all-rounders Sam Curran and Will Jacks, alongside the high-profile signing of England Women’s World Cup-winning batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The moves signal a powerful statement of intent from the franchise as they aim to improve upon their group-stage exit in the 2023 edition of The Hundred.
The retention of Curran and Jacks provides crucial continuity and firepower to the men’s squad. Sam Curran, the 2022 T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, remains one of the most sought-after T20 assets globally. His left-arm swing bowling at the death and explosive batting in the middle order make him a genuine two-phase match-winner. Will Jacks, meanwhile, has seen his stock rise meteorically, evolving into a destructive top-order batter and a more-than-handy off-spin option, a skillset perfectly tailored for The Hundred’s fast-paced format.
Securing Core Firepower: Curran and Jacks
For MI London, locking in these two young England stars was a non-negotiable priority. Sam Curran’s value extends beyond his on-field performances; his experience in high-pressure situations for England and in franchise leagues worldwide brings a calm head to the dressing room. Despite a challenging 2023 tournament by his own high standards, his potential for match-turning contributions remains undimmed. The franchise’s faith in him is clear, with a team insider stating, "Sam is a pillar of our team. His all-round ability and big-game temperament are exactly what we build our campaign around."
Will Jacks represents the explosive start MI London craves at the top of the order. His ability to take down powerplay bowling, evidenced by a 25-ball century in the Caribbean Premier League and consistent performances for Surrey and England, makes him a nightmare for opposition captains. His retention prevents a potential bidding war for one of English cricket’s most exciting talents. Jacks’ development as a bowler also offers the captain vital flexibility, allowing for strategic shifts in the 100-ball innings. The retention of both players addresses two critical areas:
- Powerplay Dominance: Jacks provides blistering starts, setting a platform or chasing down totals aggressively from ball one.
- Finishing Flair: Curran’s prowess in the final 25 balls, with both bat and ball, gives MI London a lethal weapon in tight contests.
A Major Coup: Welcoming Danni Wyatt-Hodge
The most eye-catching move, however, is the acquisition of Danni Wyatt-Hodge for the women’s team. A veteran of 162 T20 Internationals for England and a key member of their 2022 Commonwealth Games gold-medal winning squad, Wyatt-Hodge brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Her signing is a direct response to MI London’s need for a consistent, high-impact opener to partner and potentially succeed the legendary Suzie Bates.
Wyatt-Hodge is renowned for her fearless batting style, capable of dismantling any bowling attack on her day, as demonstrated by her record-breaking 124 for England against India in 2018. Her recent form in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and for Southern Brave in The Hundred has been outstanding, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in franchise environments. Commenting on the signing, MI London’s Head of Women’s Cricket said, "Danni is a world-class performer who changes the complexion of a game in the powerplay. Her experience and aggressive intent are precisely what we were looking to add to our top order."
Strategic Impact on the Women’s Squad
The arrival of Wyatt-Hodge creates a formidable top-order combination and allows for greater strategic depth. It provides the team management with multiple batting lineup options, whether they choose to pair her with Bates or use her to anchor the innings while other power-hitters play around her. Her experience in winning environments will also be invaluable for a squad looking to lift its first Hundred trophy. This signing addresses a previous area of inconsistency and sends a clear message that MI London are serious contenders for the 2024 women’s title.
The MI London Blueprint
These three signings align perfectly with the overarching philosophy of the Mumbai Indians global franchise network: identifying, securing, and building around core match-winners. The strategy focuses on multi-dimensional players who can influence the game in more than one way, a necessity in The Hundred’s condensed format. By securing Curran and Jacks early, they have protected their most prized domestic assets. By adding Wyatt-Hodge, they have made a decisive move to strengthen a key area of their women’s team.
The announcements also generate significant momentum and excitement among the fanbase ahead of the player draft and the season itself. Retaining popular homegrown stars fosters a strong connection with supporters, while a high-profile signing like Wyatt-Hodge attracts new followers and raises the team’s profile. It demonstrates a proactive approach in the competitive off-season market, where rival franchises are also jostling to build winning squads.
Looking Ahead to The Hundred 2024
With these pillars in place, MI London can now approach the upcoming draft with greater clarity and targeted needs. The men’s team will look to build a potent pace attack around Curran and seek spin options to complement Jacks. The women’s team, supercharged by Wyatt-Hodge’s arrival, will aim to finalize a balanced squad capable of sustaining a challenge across the entire tournament. The pressure will now be on the team management and coaching staff, led by Simon Katich, to optimize this talent and forge a cohesive unit.
The ultimate success of these moves will, of course, be judged on the field come July. However, the early off-season business conducted by MI London has undoubtedly shifted the landscape. They have secured stability, added star quality, and addressed specific weaknesses. As one analyst noted, "On paper, MI London have just become a much tougher proposition for everyone else in the competition." The message from the capital is clear: after a season of underachievement, MI London are coming back stronger, armed with a trio of England stars ready to light up Lord’s and The Oval.