Ella Claridge has talked up the value of playing positively and backing oneself as she seeks to continue her run of form with The Blaze.
She is in an unchanged squad to face Southern Vipers at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, where their Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy contest commences at 10.30am.
Claridge struck a rapid 71 from 45 deliveries in the East Midlands side’s comprehensive victory over South East Stars in Beckenham.
That haul adds to a match-winning knock of 64 alongside centurion Nadine de Klerk against Western Storm, and an equally crucial unbeaten 26 against Northern Diamonds earlier this season.
She averages a shade under 37 in 50-over cricket this season, whilst The Blaze are seeking to climb the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy table in the three remaining fixtures before The Hundred.
“I definitely had a good winter,” Claridge said.
“I really enjoyed the pre-season tour out in Abu Dhabi and I worked on a few technical bits but it was probably more my mindset shift that stood me in good stead.
“I got that score against Diamonds and it sort of picked up from there for me.
“Those innings helped by confidence, and when I am more confident I am better at taking on the different shots. They seem to come off more often than not.”
She was given the luxury of a foundation against the Stars, with the score 210/4 - and 13 overs remaining - when she took to the crease.
That came courtesy of 81 from Sarah Bryce and Marie Kelly’s 52.
Claridge says the continuation of the approach The Blaze adopted for their victorious Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign has stood them in good stead.
“To be able to come in with a big platform already on the board and then just add as many runs as I could to that was pretty good fun,” she said.
“We played positively without taking unnecessary risks, which was the best part. We know we can go at six or seven an over without having to go to our more unconventional shots.
“Everyone has their own way of playing, and it feels like we can score at a good rate comfortably without having that fear of getting out.”
That belief is what is making her, and The Blaze, capable of going toe-to-toe with the best in the country.
Having overcome the Southern Vipers in the opening Charlotte Edwards Cup fixture of 2024, The Blaze have successfully beaten all seven regions this year.
“We know historically that they are always a strong side,” Claridge said.
“They might not have everyone around tomorrow and hopefully we can exploit that, but even if they did have their full team out we would be confident given how we have been playing.
“We got a few people at Queen’s Park last year, and it was really nice to have that support. Fingers crossed we can get the same again tomorrow and keep the positive run going.”