NOTTINGHAM — The Trent Rockets secured a dramatic four-wicket victory over the Southern Brave in the men's Hundred, despite a serious ankle injury to batter Adam Hose that threatened to derail their chase. The match, played at Trent Bridge, saw the Rockets steady themselves after Hose's injury to clinch a hard-fought win in front of a packed home crowd.
Hose, who had been in fine form this season, suffered the injury while attempting a quick single in the 50th ball of the innings. The 30-year-old collapsed in agony and was immediately attended to by medical staff before being stretchered off the field. Initial assessments suggest a severe ankle sprain, with further scans scheduled to determine the extent of the damage. "It's a tough blow for Adam and the team," said Rockets captain Lewis Gregory. "He’s been a key player for us, but the way the guys rallied shows the spirit in this squad."
A Nail-Biting Chase
Chasing a target of 145 set by the Southern Brave, the Rockets faced early setbacks, losing opener Alex Hales in the first set of five balls. However, a composed 42 from Joe Root and a quickfire 28 from Tom Kohler-Cadmore kept the innings on track. The turning point came when Hose, batting at No. 5, was forced to retire hurt after his injury, leaving the Rockets at 98-4 with 42 balls remaining.
The Southern Brave, sensing an opportunity, tightened their bowling, with Craig Overton and Tymal Mills applying pressure. But the Rockets' middle order held firm:
- Samit Patel contributed a crucial 19 off 12 balls
- Daniel Sams smashed two sixes in his 14-ball 22
- Lewis Gregory sealed the win with a boundary off the penultimate ball
Brave’s Batting Struggles
Earlier, the Southern Brave had posted 144-6 from their 100 balls, a below-par total on a good batting surface. Opener Devon Conway top-scored with 38, but the Rockets' bowlers kept the scoring in check:
- Luke Wood took 2-22 from his 20 balls
- Sam Cook was economical with 1-18
James Vince, the Brave’s captain, admitted his side fell short: "We were 15-20 runs light. The Rockets bowled well in the middle phase, and we couldn’t get those big overs we needed. Credit to them for holding their nerve in the chase."
Hose’s Injury Casts Shadow
The injury to Hose overshadowed the Rockets' victory, with concerns over his availability for the remainder of the tournament. The batter, who had scored 187 runs in six innings this season, was seen leaving the ground on crutches. Team physio Craig de Weymarn provided an update: "Adam has significant swelling, and we’re awaiting scans. Ankle injuries can be tricky, so we’ll take no risks with his recovery."
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Rockets, now third in the table, face the Manchester Originals next, while the Southern Brave, sitting fifth, take on the London Spirit. Both matches could prove pivotal in the race for the knockout stages. With Hose likely sidelined, the Rockets may turn to Colin Munro as a replacement, while the Brave will hope for a stronger batting display from their top order.
The match also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Hundred, where momentum can shift in a matter of balls. As Gregory put it: "This format doesn’t let you breathe. One moment you’re down, the next you’re back in it. That’s why the fans love it."
Fan Reactions
Social media was abuzz with reactions to the match, with many praising the Rockets' resilience. One fan tweeted: "Hose’s injury was heartbreaking, but the way the Rockets fought back was pure class. This team has heart!" Meanwhile, Brave supporters lamented another close loss, with calls for their middle order to step up in crunch situations.
As the Hundred season reaches its business end, both teams will look to build on this match. For the Rockets, it’s about maintaining momentum despite adversity. For the Brave, it’s about finding consistency. One thing is certain: the drama of the Hundred shows no signs of slowing down.