Sky Sports Cricket analysts Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad have announced their picks for the player awards from the 2026 men's Hundred season, while former England star Lydia Greenway has offered her insights on the women’s competition. Their comments highlight standout performances, emerging talents and the value each player brings to their franchise. Jos Buttler, representing the Manchester Super Giants, earned a place in Broad’s shortlist for his crucial contributions in the eliminator.
Broad praised Buttler’s consistency, calling him "England’s best ever white‑ball batsman" and noting his ability to lead the dressing room while steering his side toward a potential title. Ben Duckett was highlighted by Hussain for his direct route to the final with the Trent Rockets, bypassing the eliminator entirely.
Hussain lauded Duckett’s versatility at the top of the order – his skill against both spin and pace, his inventive shot‑selection and his exceptional fielding. The analyst emphasized Duckett’s confidence and flair, describing his performances as a joy to watch.
In the women’s tournament, Greenway selected Tilly Corteen‑Coleman as the leading wicket‑taker, having claimed 13 scalps. She stressed Corteen‑Coleman’s consistency over several seasons and praised her ability to stay at the top of the bowling charts. Mitch Marsh received high marks from both commentators.
Greenway pointed out his eye‑catching innings at Headingley, where his strike‑rate hovered around 170 and his average rose in winning matches, indicating his pivotal role in the Rockets’ success. She compared his consistency to Harry Brook, noting that while Brook thrives on the fast, bouncy surface at Headingley, Marsh has proven his adaptability by scoring runs across a variety of venues, including Trent Bridge and Manchester.
Greenway admired Marsh’s straightforward batting style – a willingness to meet the ball on the front foot and a knack for pulling short deliveries for sixes – and described him as “a very simple, yet highly effective player and a genuine top‑class Aussie.” On the overseas front, Greenway highlighted Phoebe Litchfield as the standout foreign player, citing her position as the tournament’s leading run‑scorer. Litchfield’s ability to dominate bowling attacks, her wide range of scoring zones – from straight‑down‑the‑ground drives to powerful shots behind square – and her trademark switch‑hit make her a nightmare for any captain trying to set a field. Greenway also noted that Marsh was a newcomer to the Hundred, having never played the format before this season, and praised his immediate impact despite his lack of prior experience. Among the rising stars, Greenway chose LD Pretorius as a promising newcomer.
Although relatively unknown in England and yet to score a Test century, Pretorius impressed with elegant strokes on the challenging Lord’s surface, particularly his off‑side power and a distinctive pick‑up over square leg. Greenway predicts that Pretorius will become a well‑known name in world cricket within five years. Charley Phillips was another female talent highlighted for her all‑round contributions – taking seven wickets and delivering key breakthroughs at crucial phases of the game.
Calvin Harrison earned a nod from Hussain for his late‑season arrival as a replacement player. Signed for roughly £31,000, Harrison claimed eight wickets, produced spectacular catches and displayed solid batting when opportunities arose, offering excellent value for money. Hussain suggested England should keep an eye on his development across formats.
Hussain later admitted he had mis‑judged the value of Adil Rashid, who was purchased for £250,000. While Rashid’s leg‑spin proved vital in a dry spell, delivering consistent performances at a fraction of the cost of marquee players like Harry Brook (£465k) or Jofra Archer (£450k), Hussain acknowledged Rashid’s experience and reliability make him a worthwhile investment. Greenway also praised Rashid’s bravery in using a variety of deliveries, especially when many modern spinners opt for flatter, less risky options. Trent Boult was celebrated for his flamboyant celebrations and a memorable inswinging delivery that dismissed Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s – a moment Greenway described as the “ball of the tournament.” Despite occasional eccentricities, Boult’s ability to generate movement and take wickets makes him a constant threat.
Nat Sciver‑Brunt, returning from a calf injury, impressed with a reverse sweep on her first ball back, demonstrating class and a high strike‑rate. Greenway highlighted her versatility – capable of both aggressive power‑hitting and delicate dink shots – and her importance to the Rockets’ batting line‑up.
Chris Jordan was acknowledged as the tournament’s premier fielder, a reputation built over multiple seasons. Greenway also highlighted a spectacular catch by Will Jacks off Pretorius, describing the two‑part grab as “remarkable.” Ben Duckett’s athleticism was showcased with a diving catch that turned a potential run‑out into a wicket, underscoring the impact of fielding on match outcomes. Bess Heath, though not among the most prolific catch‑takers, was praised for her fearless approach. Greenway noted that young girls watching her can see a player who actively seeks the ball, making daring attempts rather than waiting for it to drop.
Sam Billings, a three‑time Hundred champion with the Oval Invincibles, was lauded for his move to the Trent Rockets. Greenway emphasized his leadership qualities, his familiarity with Trent Bridge conditions and his drive to guide the Rockets to the final, aiming for a fourth consecutive title. Billings’ aggressive mindset and desire to prove himself after a controversial departure from MI London were also highlighted. Finally, Greenway turned her attention to Dani Gibson, who captained the SunRisers Leeds out of a three‑game losing streak.
Gibson’s media presence, energetic leadership and tactical growth under head coach Adrian Birrell were praised, noting her ability to inspire a turnaround in form at a crucial stage of the season. Overall, the analysts’ selections reflect a blend of seasoned internationals, impactful overseas signings and emerging domestic talents, each contributing uniquely to the excitement and competitiveness of the 2026 Hundred campaigns.