As the number next to his name kept on climbing, James Coles could scarcely believe his eyes. It was the middle of March and the uncapped Sussex all-rounder was sat watching the inaugural Hundred auction and quickly learning just how highly he was valued. A furious bidding war had erupted between five franchises; by the time it ended, Coles was £390,000 richer, the day’s big-ticket item and the new face of the London Spirit.
