Rachael Heyhoe Flint 2022: 6th
Charlotte Edwards Cup 2022: 7th
Most Runs RHFT: Kathryn Bryce (233) Most Runs CEC: Tammy Beaumont (136)
Most Wickets RHFT: Grace Ballinger & Kirstie Gordon (9) Most Wickets CEC: Piepa Cleary (7)
New Signings: Georgie Boyce (Domestic Contract), Sarah Glenn (Central Contract), Nat Sciver-Brunt (Central Contract), Nadine de Klerk (Overseas)
New Domestic Contracts: Sophie Munro, Josie Groves, Grace Ballinger, Theresa Graves
Star Player: Marie Kelly
Young Player: Josie Groves
It’s a new look for the East Midlands as ‘Lighting’ became ‘The Blaze’ adopting a new logo, colour scheme and most notably, a new home in the form of Trent Bridge, Nottingham. After being a part of the Loughborough Lightning franchise since the Kia Super League days, the decision was made to split from the university at the end of the season and find home beside the River Trent with the backing of Nottinghamshire CCC.
Owing to the connections with Loughborough University, ‘Lightning’ have traditionally had a younger team with many players balancing studies with cricket. Arguably, this has been very imbalanced compared to the rest of the regions. With new management, comes change, and there have been some extremely positive changes ahead of the 2023 season.
The Blaze has attracted England stars Nat Sciver-Brunt and, Sarah Glenn, whose roots lie within the region. All-rounder, Sciver-Brunt, has joined from Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy holders, Northern Diamonds while Glenn has come to the other side of the Midlands from Central Sparks. With almost 300 international caps between them, Sciver-Brunt and Glenn bring a wealth of experience. Sciver-Brunt is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world and Glenn is becoming recognised as one of the most dangerous leg-spinners on the international scene.
South African all-rounder, Nadine de Klerk has also been announced as an overseas signing. With over 60 international caps, de Klerk has already played in multiple World Cups and a Commonwealth Games. Overseas stints are not a new entity for the Pretoria-born cricketer: de Klerk has featured in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for the Brisbane Heat in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.
Nottinghamshire native, Georgie Boyce is returning back to the East Midlands after playing at teams in the northwest since 2018. Opener, Boyce, has signed a professional contract with the Blaze.
Marie Kelly embodies the definition of a star player when she comes out to bat. Back in May 2022, the Warwickshire captain broke the record for the quickest half-century in Women’s T20 cricket reaching the milestone in 15 balls. Her county successes were a taste of how she would play in the rest of the season, becoming a fiery batter with an often ridiculously high strike rate.
A unique element to Marie’s game is the array of roles she can play as a bowler. Already bowling right-arm seam and right-arm off-spin, Kelly taught herself how to bowl left-arm spin to increase her chances of international selection and what she can offer as a player.
Kelly recalled where the idea came from – a conversation with her partner Tom. “We were chatting about where I see my career progressing” explained Kelly. “Tom said, ‘why don't we just try the left arm’ and I remember we were walking the dog and I was shadowing bowling left-handed - it didn't feel horrendous.”
Although it sounded like a great idea, Kelly realised that it would be hard to reach a good standard. “The only thing that was stopping us before was the time it would take to dedicate to doing it”, said Marie. “At that point I wasn't fully professional, so I was still working full time. I didn't have the time to commit to it.”
Alas, a pandemic came along and brought another element to her skill set. “Lockdown hit and we just thought well now's the time to try it” Kelly elaborated. “We just thought we don't have an excuse now. We've talked about it, let's go and do it.”
It seems that leg-spin is becoming cool again and 18-year-old Josie Groves showcases how to truly execute the challenging skill. Groves is of a generation who have had the visibility of the England Women’s Cricket team and this has played a key part in her rise in cricket.
“My mum used to make little booklets and we'd go along to the games and get lots of autographs in our booklets” Josie explains. “Charlotte Edwards actually came to our club when we were younger and did a coaching session with us.”
Reluctantly, Groves also shares her admiration for Australian batter Alyssa Healy. “I know she's Australian, but I really like Alyssa Healy, I think just fearless batting, she just goes out just to whack everything.”
It’s a special season for Groves as she now gets to train with one of her more recent role models. “Obviously spinners, so Sarah Glenn, or the leggies that are around at the moment I think they're quite inspiring.”
At 18, Groves has already represented England teams at age group level in both cricket and netball. One of two leg-spinners in England’s campaign at the U19 Women’s World Cup, Groves was extremely economical and complimented fellow leggie, Hannah Baker, offering more height and flight.
The teenager has recently signed her first professional contract with The Blaze so will be balancing her demanding A-Levels with her cricket and netball aspirations.
What will The Blaze want?
The Blaze seem ambitious. With a new identity and some major recruitment, they are a team that could push for knockout stages. Getting runs will be important and avoiding being bowled out regularly will be a target.
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