Hollie Armitage will pull on new colours but a familiar armband in August after being confirmed as MI London’s captain for the 2026 Women’s Hundred, reuniting her with head coach Lisa Keightley, the pair who steered Northern Superchargers to the title last year.
Keightley, now based in the capital after the Ambani family purchased the former Oval Invincibles franchise, went straight for her trusted skipper in March’s player auction. “It is no secret that we hoped Hollie Armitage would lead the side after signing her in the auction,” Keightley said. “The role of captain in a short-form game is crucial, and Hollie brings a brilliant cricket brain and a degree of calmness to make crucial decisions under pressure. We’re really happy with how the squad is put together, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the domestic talent in the upcoming Vitality Blast to complete the squad in July.”
Armitage’s résumé is increasingly rounded: six England caps, a Yorkshire upbringing, current county cricket with Durham and four years in charge of Superchargers from 2022. She steps into the job vacated by Lauren Winfield-Hill, who has moved back north to Sunrisers Leeds. “Being named MI London’s women’s captain is huge honour as we start an exciting new chapter,” Armitage said. “Lisa is a terrific coach to work alongside, and we are eager to replicate last year’s success in MI London colours. The Kia Oval is always such a great ground to play at, but it is particularly special to play there in the Hundred in front of big crowds. We can’t wait to get going.”
What does it all mean? In short, MI London have doubled down on proven leadership. Keightley is a coach who likes clear structures, while Armitage’s tidy off-spin and measured batting give her a spot in any XI regardless of the armband. The franchise still has gaps—another new-ball option and perhaps a finisher—but the spine is in place, and observers expect a tactical, rather than flashy, approach.
Early days, of course, but the Oval faithful now have a captain-coach duo who already know how to win this competition.
