Ireland international Orla Prendergast has signed for The Blaze for the remainder of the season. 

She replaces Nadine de Klerk, who has been forced to withdraw from her return to the East Midlands through injury. 

The 22-year-old is eligible to feature in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy games against Southern Vipers, Sunrisers and Thunder, as well as the latter stages of the competition should The Blaze qualify for the knockout phase.

“Orla is a great player with a proven List A record and the ability to slot straight into our group for the run-in,” Head Coach Chris Guest said. 

“She is strong in all three areas of the game which has worked well as a formula for our overseas players in the last couple of seasons.

“We put together a good run of form prior to The Hundred, so we are really keen to finish the 50-over competition strongly and see where that takes us. 

“We all wish Nadine well for her recovery, while we extend our gratitude to both her and Heather who have contributed positively to our group again this year.”

Prendergast - who made her debut for Ireland Women in 2019 - averages 38 with the bat in List A cricket, with three hundreds and eight fifties. 

With ball in hand, she has 42 wickets across 57 appearances in the one-day format.