London Spirit: History and Profile of the Lord’s-based Hundred Franchise

Origins

London Spirit were announced in 2019 as one of the eight teams in The Hundred and first played in 2021. They are one of two London franchises, the other being Oval Invincibles, and they play at Lord’s, the home of Marylebone Cricket Club and Middlesex County Cricket Club.

The Hundred is an English franchise competition run by the England and Wales Cricket Board, first played in 2021. Each innings lasts 100 balls, and men’s and women’s sides from the same eight franchises play at shared venues.

Home ground: Lord’s

Lord’s, in St John’s Wood, is often described as the home of cricket. It opened on its present site in 1814 and is known for its pavilion, its media centre and its sloping outfield. It hosts Test matches every summer and has staged multiple World Cup finals.

Being based at Lord’s gives the Spirit one of the most recognisable home venues in world sport, though that also means they share it with cricket’s long and formal traditions.

Identity and branding

The Spirit have their own name and branding, separate from Middlesex. Like the other franchises, the branding aims to appeal to younger and first-time audiences.

Record in the competition

As of the end of 2024, London Spirit had not won a men’s or women’s Hundred title. The team’s results have varied between seasons, and official records are the best guide to detailed standings.

Squad building

Rosters are put together through a draft with salary bands and wildcard picks, plus replacement players. The squad is therefore different each summer, and this page does not list current players, captains or coaches.

Why it matters

London Spirit pair the sport’s best-known ground with a modern format. They show how The Hundred tried to combine heritage venues with a new, more accessible competition.