Josie Groves has signed a four-year contract which will keep her with The Blaze until 2028. 

The wrist-spinner becomes the fifth player to commit her future to the side ahead of the domestic restructure next season, following the retention of captain Kirstie Gordon, Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce and Grace Ballinger.

The 19-year-old played a key role as The Blaze triumphed at Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day earlier this month, claiming 2-16 and amassing a nerveless 14 from four balls in the semi-final, before taking 3-33 against South East Stars.

“The length of this contract signifies how highly Josie is regarded,” Chris Guest said. 

“She offers a great deal to us now with her all-round ability and her point of difference as a leg-spinner, but her potential is even greater, and that is what is most exciting.

“She’s got the right attitude to go with that high ceiling, too. She is keen to learn when there are opportunities to do so, and takes her chances on the field when they are presented, as she did so impressively at Finals Day.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing where her game will get to, and how she’ll develop as a player and person over the course of the next four years.”

In March, Groves captained England U19s on a tour of Sri Lanka, having helped the same side reach the final of the ICC U19s Women’s World Cup in 2023.

That season, she claimed 23 domestic wickets, including 11 in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at an average lower than nine. 

“I’m really happy to be signing with The Blaze for four years,” Groves said.

“To have security for that length of time is really reassuring, and the fact that I will be able to fully commit to cricket will hopefully allow me to continue developing.

“We’ve got quality players and coaches here who I can learn from - and my approach has always been to try and extract as much knowledge as I can to be the best player possible. 

“Ultimately, my goal is to help The Blaze win games of cricket and have as much fun as I can along the way, which has been the blueprint for the way we’ve looked to play the game for the last few years.”