Search on to find hidden Hundred tickets

The search is on across Birmingham and Solihull to find hidden tickets to The Hundred, the new 100-ball national cricket competition that launches this week.

On Friday 23 July, Birmingham Phoenix, will debut at Edgbaston Stadium, with four fixtures taking place across the summer.

Ahead of their first game, Birmingham Phoenix have hidden 100 branded cricket balls in unmissable bright orange boxes across 10 popular locations in Birmingham and Solihull.

With 600 tickets up for grabs, anyone fortunate enough to find one of the hidden Birmingham Phoenix cricket balls will win six tickets to watch both the men 's and women 's teams play Oval Invincibles at Edgbaston Stadium on Wednesday 4 August.

People are being encouraged to check under their seats and tables at favourite restaurants and bars, as well as searching through popular shopping and leisure destinations to leave no stone unturned in the regional search to find the bright orange packages reflecting the Birmingham Phoenix team colours.

Venues include three shopping centres, an 18-century working mill, a landmark events centre, a pioneering arts complex and some of the city 's best-known bars and restaurants.

If properly stumped, fans should follow @BirminghamPhoenix on Instagram, along with the hashtag #everyballcounts for vital clues.

The Hundred is a fast-paced and action-packed game combining world-class sport and live entertainment for show-stopping moments.

The first home match takes place on Friday when Birmingham Phoenix take on London Spirit, with the women 's team getting underway at 3pm and the men 's team at 6.30pm.

On Sunday 1 August, both teams play Trent Rockets, followed by matches against Oval Invincibles on Wednesday 4 August, and Welsh Fire on Monday 9 August.

Lucky finders of the 100 hidden cricket balls can look forward to a live performance at the match from the city 's very own Kioko - a local reggae band from Birmingham.

Craig Flindall, Birmingham Phoenix general manager and chief operating officer at Edgbaston Stadium, said: “We 're so excited to welcome fans to Edgbaston Stadium this month for The Hundred, a fast-paced game that aims to attract and introduce more families and young people than ever before to the exciting world of cricket.

“With 100 balls hidden at 10 key locations around the region, we 're hoping those who find the cricket balls will enjoy everything The Hundred has to offer. We 're proud to make cricket more accessible to all - inspiring the next generation, as well as bringing families together to enjoy the sport. ”

For those who aren 't lucky enough to find one of the 100 hidden cricket balls, tickets start from just £12 for adults, £5 for under 16s, and under 6s go free.