The Blaze are the only team entering the new county structure to have made the decision to keep their old identity. A move from Loughborough two years ago, to their Trent-side home, made the players reflect on what it meant to represent the new East Midlands team and how that would shape them as professional cricketers.
They were responsible for a remarkable turnaround. Lightning had fizzled out, regularly finishing near the bottom of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup, but the move to Trent Bridge coincided with a change in fortunes. In 2023, they finished runners-up in both formats and last summer they picked up their first silverware at Derby, a team effort to secure the Charlotte Edwards Cup. The identity the players had forged as The Blaze proved too powerful to let go. Their decision not to become Notts feels like a statement of who they are.
Success has allowed The Blaze to retain the core of their squad while also recruiting players with international pedigree, such as Amy Jones and Georgia Elwiss. Their arrival adds not only experience, but increases competition for places, particularly with new England coach Charlotte Edwards making it clear that centrally contracted players will need to earn their spots for the upcoming series against the West Indies. That directive boosts the chances of seeing Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sarah Glenn, and Tammy Beaumont, who is being talked about as a potential future England captain, featuring in the early rounds.
The Blaze are usually well led by the superb Kirstie Gordon; a true leader and a left-arm spinner who gives little away while taking important wickets. However, a back injury sustained on tour with England A casts doubt over her availability for much of the season and with Marie Kelly also potentially unavailable, it will be interesting to see where The Blaze turn for leadership.
Responsibility may fall to Georgia Elwiss, who captained Loughborough Lightning during the Kia Super League and already knows many of the players well. Alternatively, they might turn to Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce, another experienced figure with a deep understanding of the squad.
While the squad remains settled, The Blaze begin the season with a new coach at the helm. Chris Guest has moved into a role with the England setup and in his place comes Craig Cumming, who brings a strong pedigree from New Zealand, where he worked with one of the country’s leading domestic sides, Otago. As a player, Cumming represented New Zealand in Test cricket, adding international experience to his coaching résumé.
There is continuity behind the scenes too, with much of the existing backroom staff remaining in place. The addition of Luke Fletcher, a long-time Trent Bridge favourite, to assist the pace bowlers, adds another layer of experience. All signs suggest The Blaze are in safe hands heading into the new campaign.
At the core of what has worked for Lightning and The Blaze are the Bryce sisters. Both are influential Scotland internationals. Kathryn is an all-rounder who is consistent with the bat, with a natural instinct for pacing an innings. She knows when to shift gears and if she bats deep, The Blaze are confident they will come out on top. Add to that her hard-to-hit medium-pace bowling and she is truly the heartbeat of The Blaze squad.
Sarah Bryce, her younger sister, is behind the stumps and is a more free-scoring batter than Kathryn. She can really put teams to the sword. If Amy Jones is available early in the season, Sarah may find herself without the gloves for a while, but she is right up there with Jones in terms of wicketkeeping and it would be worth England asking her to switch allegiances. She has the potential to surpass her England counterpart.
The squad is further strengthened by the return of overseas pair Orla Prendergast and Heather Graham. Prendergast is an all-rounder of genuine promise and has already made her mark internationally with Ireland. With the ball, she opens the bowling and hits a hard length; with the bat, she’s capable of setting the tone at the top. At her best, she is a match-winner and if The Blaze can get her firing consistently, they will be a tough side to beat. Crucially, she will not always need to carry the game on her own, which might give her the space to find rhythm and confidence.
Graham meanwhile, played a key role in their Charlotte Edwards Cup win last season. Her tight, clever bowling often took the pressure off her teammates and if she hits that form again, silverware might not be far behind.
The Blaze’s depth goes beyond their international stars, with experienced players like Marie Kelly and Georgie Boyce offering crucial support at the domestic level. Kelly is a key figure at the top of the order and a respected leader. If and when she takes the field, she will be eager to show that any dip in form during 2024 was only temporary.
Similarly Georgie Boyce, who missed much of last season through injury, will feel like a new addition to the squad. Her return brings much-needed firepower to the top order and she will be motivated to make an immediate impact after a frustrating period on the sidelines. With both players’ contributions potentially pivotal, The Blaze will look to build on their depth and resilience as they target a strong 2025 campaign.
Across the last couple of seasons, it has been The Blaze’s bowling unit that has quietly won them more games than they perhaps had any right to. Grace Ballinger has emerged as a standout performer in the powerplay, her left-arm pace not only economical, but increasingly effective when paired with a more experienced partner. Cassidy McCarthy, still finding her way into the side, brings the ability to swing the ball, but can sometimes struggle for control. With captain Kirstie Gordon expected to be unavailable and Lucy Higham recovering from ankle surgery, there could be more responsibility placed on young leg-spinner Josie Groves to lead the spin attack. All-rounders like Kathryn Bryce will be key to maintaining balance and depth in a bowling group that, while evolving, still has the tools to cause problems.
Key Player
With experience, class and an undeniable presence, Georgia Elwiss enters 2025 as a key figure for The Blaze. A proven performer as part of Southern Vipers’ title-winning setup, Elwiss has not only the cricketing pedigree, but also the leadership instinct to guide this squad through a transitional phase. Her affinity with the Midlands brings a natural connection to the team’s identity, and her unbeaten 101 at Chesterfield against The Blaze last season was a clear message — the hunger to contribute at the highest level still burns strong. Whether she steps in as captain or anchors the middle order, Elwiss could quietly become the backbone of another successful campaign.
Player to watch
Josie Groves is fast becoming a cornerstone of The Blaze’s evolving identity. She has already captained England U19s, showing a calm head and mature cricketing mind beyond her years. Last season, it was her composed batting under pressure that saw The Blaze past Central Sparks in the Charlotte Edwards Cup semi-final — a glimpse of her ability to deliver in big moments. With Kirstie Gordon and Lucy Higham sidelined and Sarah Glenn likely on England duty, Groves may find herself cast as the senior spinner sooner than expected. It is a challenge she seems quietly ready for.
How will the fare?
There is no doubt about the quality running through The Blaze squad. However, their success may hinge on how often they can get their best XI on the park. Depth and versatility are strengths, yet availability will be key, especially across formats. Many expect them to be there or thereabouts when trophies are handed out and with their firepower and balance, it would be hard to look past them as serious challengers for the Vitality Blast at least.
Opening Fixture: Metro Bank One Day Cup: 23 April 2024 v Lancashire at Trent Bridge
