2023 ANNUAL REPORT

THE BLAZE REPORT 33 region-wide challenge. We will continue to champion second-team cricket being played throughout the summer, with multiple benefits including the opportunities offered to both young players of promise and senior professionals returning from injury or seeking form. We’ve also ensured the Academy group is representative of the East Midlands. Last year, nine of our 14 players were from Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire or Nottinghamshire. Next year, it will be 12 – an increase of over 40% from two seasons ago. When individuals from our own area are given opportunities, it showcases our pathway from club to county to regional side at its best. Our EPP is the first step into the Blaze environment and is split into hubs in the north and south of the region. We have 16 players currently enrolled, all of whom will reap the benefits of being on a focused training programme throughout their formative years in the game. They have the role models within the game on their doorstep, with several international cricketers part of our set-up across the club. Tammy, Nat, and Sarah have our heartfelt congratulations for their involvement with England last summer, which included a momentousWomen’s Ashes series. All three have been justly rewarded with central contracts for the coming year, and we look forward to watching them thrive on the biggest stage and welcoming them back when their schedules allow. Sarah and Kathryn Bryce have been at the heart of Scottish cricket for some time, and both played instrumental roles as their country secured qualification for next year’s ICCT20Women’sWorld Cup global qualifier. Kirstie impressed with England A this year, both in home series against Australia A and away against India A. Her call-up for theTest squad to face India is testament to the hard work and dedication she has show- cased over a prolonged period. Sophie Munro’s all-round performances were also rewarded with selection for this winter’s England A training camp in Oman. Meanwhile, at age-group level, Josie and Maddie performed brilliantly at the ICC U19Women’sWorld Cup at the start of 2023 – with England led by our Head Coach Chris Guest and supported by our Assistant Coach Laura Marsh and Analyst Dan Patey, finishing runners-up. Their successes are a product of their own hard work and determination, and the efforts by all at The Blaze in facilitating their development. On that note, I would like to extend my thanks to Chris and Senior Regional Talent Manager, Cain Hamilton-Boyle, for all the work they have done to advance our fortunes. It is worth remembering that, despite our success in 2023, we are still in the infancy of our time as a rebranded region, which leaves us with room for growth. On and off the field, we will get stronger with time, and we are excited to continue on that journey with your support. “MEANWHILE, AT AGE-GROUP LEVEL, JOSIE AND MADDIE PERFORMED BRILLIANTLY AT THE ICC U19 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP AT THE START OF 2023 – WITH ENGLAND LED BY OUR HEAD COACH CHRIS GUEST AND SUPPORTED BY OUR ASSISTANT COACH LAURA MARSH AND ANALYST DAN PATEY.” James Cutt