Chris Guest has set his bar high ahead of The Blaze’s final two games before The Hundred begins, citing games against Western Storm and Northern Diamonds as ‘must win’ to maintain hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stage of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. 

Tammy Beaumont joins the squad for the trip to Cheltenham College (Wednesday 10 July, 10.30am).

The Blaze began the 50-over tournament without a win in their opening three games, and therefore now sit fifth in the table despite accruing three wins in the format since then. 

It has elevated the need for immediate results, says Guest, albeit an impressive 133-run win over South East Stars before a narrow loss to Southern Vipers has given him cause for optimism. 

“We’ve put in two decent shifts since the switch, and it was a good win against the Stars,” he said. 

“Because of the way we started the competition, we need to win games if we want to be in the semi finals and finals. 

“Every game feels a bit like a must-win at the minute with how the season started. But if we can win three out of the four in this mini block, we are still in the shake up.

“We will be facing two good sides in Storm and Diamonds, so we know we’ve got our work cut out, but ultimately that’s our aim - win these two games leading into The Hundred so we’ve got a chance come September."

He also praised the contribution of two in-form players in Heather Graham and Kathryn Bryce. 

The latter recently won the PCA Player of the Month for June - having been nominated alongside her sister, Sarah - after also picked up the same award for May. 

Graham, meanwhile, followed up her best figures in List A cricket against South East Stars with an accomplished half-century against Vipers. 

“Heather has been outstanding,” Guest said. 

“She got herself going, took the attack to the Vipers and manipulated the field nicely. It is really good to see her in that role. She obviously picked up wickets last week and is an important all rounder in our side. 

“I said it around the T20 competition, but the form that Kathryn is in is outstanding and she has shown signs of that continuing. 

“She has made really positive contributions with the bat and ball but not only that, she is one of the strongest in the field. She is a three-dimensional cricketer who is offering a lot to the side.”