England fast bowler Tash Farrant believes Trent Rockets are top contenders for this year's Women's Hundred.

The Nottinghamshire outfit fell short in the 2022 eliminator, losing to Southern Brave in a thrilling encounter at the Rose Bowl.

But Farrant — a two-time champion with Oval Invincibles, who will sadly miss the 2023 competition with a stress fracture — thinks the Rockets' exciting batting line-up could see them get their hands on the trophy.

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, the 27-year-old said: "I've looked at the Trent Rockets team and they are very, very strong in my opinion.

"They've got Alana King, who bowled spin beautifully last year.

"Then batting all the way down in Nat Sciver-Brunt, Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur.

"I don't think you can look past the Rockets, Invincibles or Southern Brave — especially because the latter two have been there and done it."

Hundred success

Huge crowds are expected up and down Britain once again for this year's Hundred and Farrant thinks the competition aided the success of the recent Women's Ashes series.

She explained: "The double headers have been great for the women's game, plus I think it's helped the crowds for the men's game as well.

"And I would put a lot of the success of the Ashes down to The Hundred to be honest — I think it was four or five times the attendance of the 2019 series!

"Obviously the last couple of years The Hundred has been bringing in crowds of around 20,000.

"But it's also about playing the women's game at the bigger Test match venues and the girls showed they can market it in right way."

Sophie's choice

Spin bowler Sophie Ecclestone — one of England's standout players in the Ashes series draw with Australia — will captain the Manchester Originals in this year's Hundred.

Farrant is aware it will not be an easy task for the 24-year-old but believes more success is also likely for the No1 ranked ODI bowler in the women's game.

Farrant said: "I think Sophie has been wanting this opportunity for a while. 

"She's still young but the amount she's played means she's one of the most experienced players in the England team.

"I think Sophie will rise to the challenge and it might actually help her overall game.

"It won't be easy because the Hundred is slightly different in its format, but I still see the best bowler in the world succeeding."

Awesome Alice

Another member of England's Ashes squad, Alice Capsey looks primed to take the Hundred by storm yet again with the Invincibles.

And her team-mate Farrant believes it is the 18-year-old all-rounder's "no fear approach" that has seen her achieve huge success at such a young age.

The Kent seamer said: "It's her no-fear approach, she just goes out to bat and if she feels like the bowler needs to be taken down, she will do it from ball one!

"The younger girls coming into the game are so refreshing with that attitude.

"The only time I haven't seen Capsey score big at The Oval was in the Ashes, so in the first Hundred game there she will want to go and put on a show!"

Watch The Hundred on BBC TV and iPlayer from today, with 16 games scheduled to be broadcast live this month. Every ball will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and Sounds, while live text commentary and clips from each game can be found on the BBC Sport website and app.