At its opening home games in cricket’s newest tournament The Hundred, Birmingham Phoenix are saying a huge thank you to key NHS staff and volunteers who have supported the response to COVID within the local community.

More than 60 staff and volunteers from Black County and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, who are involved in the local response to COVID and in administering the vaccine, are being hosted in VIP hospitality tonight at Edgbaston in the Birmingham Phoenix women’s and men’s games against London Spirit.

“It’s been a heroic effort from our NHS staff and volunteers over recent months,” said Birmingham Phoenix General Manager Craig Flindall. “Outside of match days, Edgbaston continues to host one of the region’s biggest vaccination hubs and we wanted to say thank you to the staff and volunteers working across Birmingham & The Black Country.

“We can’t wait to kick things off in The Hundred at Edgbaston tonight and look forward to accommodating our NHS heroes within our premium hospitality suite.”

Craig Flindall, Birmingham Phoenix General Manager

Sally Roberts and Tracy Nightingale, senior nurses from NHS in Birmingham and the Black Country, said: “NHS staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, not only in rolling out an unprecedented-scale vaccination programme but also in keeping vital NHS services running, and we can’t thank them enough for all they have done.

“This kind invitation from Edgbaston Stadium shows that this hard work is also being recognised within the community, and I am sure this VIP experience will be a very welcome boost to the NHS staff who are attending. We hope they have a brilliant time – they certainly deserve it.”

All Birmingham Phoenix matches in The Hundred are double headers, featuring a women’s and men’s team game, with subsequent games at Edgbaston being on Sunday 1 August, Wednesday 4 August and Monday 9 August.

All Birmingham Phoenix matches in The Hundred are back-to-back, featuring a women’s and men’s team game, with subsequent games at Edgbaston being on Sunday 1 August, Wednesday 4 August and Monday 9 August.

Tickets for The Hundred are great value for money  at £5 for under 16s, with adult tickets starting at £12, and under-fives going free. Refund policies will be in place should matches be affected by Covid.